1
as in to spray
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on sow the fields with maize in early spring, and the crop should be ready by late summer

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2
as in to plant
to put or set into the ground to grow first sow the seeds in potting soil

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to breed
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a malicious neighbor who sowed within him nagging suspicions about his wife

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sow This latest policy change on halfway house placement is already sowing confusion and disappointment. Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Defense attorneys tried but failed to sow doubt with jurors that Ragan and cohort Terry Nealy plotted Perez’s murder. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 These cover crops are planted in the fall prior to growing beans and cut down just prior to sowing bean seeds. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 Written after the composer relocated to Düsseldorf, the piece features a folkish, almost pastoral seed sown by his new surroundings. Marina Harss, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sow
Verb
  • Each machine has two or three spray arms, at least one on the bottom and one on the top: This is where the detergent-y water comes from.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stock Hill, south of the Plaza 7 critical violations for a March 31 routine inspection 4800 Main St. Inside steakhouse’s kitchen, spray bottles full of chemicals were not marked with the name of the substance, according to the inspector.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If planting in full sun be sure to provide consistent moisture.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Perennials to plant: allium, Asiatic lily, aster, astilbe, black-eyed susan, clematis, columbine, coneflower, chrysanthemum, daffodils, daisies, daylily, forget-me-not, geranium, goldenrod, Hellebore, hollyhock, hydrangea, lavender, peonies and roses.
    Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As of now, there's no plan for the wolves to breed.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Lamm says that Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi will not be allowed to breed; moreover, the company anticipates genetically engineering just three to five more of the animals.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rosemary bonded with Kennedy’s larger-than-life second wife, Eleanora, who was almost a decade younger than Rosemary, but acted as her fairy godmother, sprinkling money and sisterly advice.
    Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Rainbow and trans flags could be seen sprinkled throughout the crowd, along with a dozen or so Moms for Liberty shirts.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Golden State Warriors were the last to pull it off in 2023, defeated the No. 3 seeded Sacramento Kings.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This year, eight fighters (and two alternates) have been seeded in a tournament bracket, with the winners moving on to the next round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Then, on Monday, a series of billboards advertising the album peppered the main roads into Stillwater, where Turnpike co-headlines this weekend with Ragweed for more than 180,000 ticketholders.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
  • That was apparent even in the first period, as the Canucks — a team that’s struggled enormously all season to generate looks and scoring chances — peppered their old teammate DeSmith with all manner of quality chances.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2019, Elijah McClain, a young, unarmed Black man, was violently tackled by three police officers, twice put in chokeholds, and pinned to the ground.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In recent days, the president’s plans have changed drastically, culminating in the administration on Wednesday announcing a 90-day pause on punishing levies that were put in place on April 2.
    Colby Smith, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sow. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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