Synonyms for

Cultivate

Verb / ˈkʌltʌˌveɪt / Another word for cultivate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to prepare and use land for crops or gardening

Synonyms & similar words

civilise civilize work educate school naturalize crop train tame naturalise domesticate till plow farm grow nurture develop train raise harvest produce cultivate foster breed propagate sow plant reap tend maintain care

Synonyms by register

Formal

develop foster nurture promote

Informal

grow raise work on build up

Literary

tend rear husband

Antonyms

neglect destroy demolish ruin abandon spoil

Common collocations

  • cultivate land
  • cultivate relationships
  • cultivate a habit
  • cultivate an interest
  • cultivate a skill
  • cultivate a garden
  • cultivate a taste

Word family

noun cultivation
verb cultivate
adjective cultivable
adverb cultivatingly

Usage note

Often used metaphorically to mean developing or improving something, such as a skill or relationship. Can also refer to the literal growing of plants.

Example sentences

  1. My grandparents cultivate vegetables in their backyard.
  2. Farmers cultivate crops to sell at the market.
  3. I like to cultivate flowers in my garden.
  4. John decided to cultivate his own vegetable patch this year.
  5. We need to cultivate the soil before planting the seeds.

Quotes

  • A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. - Liberty Hyde Bailey
  • The best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow. - Author Unknown
  • Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it. - Author Unknown

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