Synonyms for
Breeding
Definition
the mating and production of offspring by animals; the production of plants by natural processes
Synonyms & similar words
gentility
procreation
training
bringingup
cover
spawn
engender
multiply
rearing
reproduction
nurture
fosterage
factsoflife
raising
genteelness
breed
education
fostering
upbringing
procreation
reproduction
mating
propagation
generation
production
multiplication
spawning
fostering
raising
cultivating
nurturing
developing
growing
producing
generating
rearing
Synonyms by register
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- selective breeding
- animal breeding
- plant breeding
- inbreeding
- outbreeding
- breeding ground
- breeding season
- breeding stock
Word family
Usage note
Primarily refers to the process of reproduction in animals and plants, often with an implication of controlled or selective processes. Can also refer to a person's social class or upbringing, though this usage is becoming less common and can be considered archaic or classist.
Example sentences
- The horse breeding business is a very important part of the agricultural industry.
- The breeding of endangered species is an important conservation effort.
- The farmer was proud of his successful breeding of a new type of tomato.
- The dog breeder carefully selected the parents for her next litter.
- The breeding season for birds is a busy and noisy time in the forest.
Quotes
Good breeding consists in concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person. - Mark Twain
The breeding up of a child requires a whole village. - African Proverb
Breeding is not an art, it's a skill. - John Madden