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Definitions

cultivate

[kuhl-tuh-veyt] / ˈkʌl təˌveɪt /
VERB
develop land for growing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breed fertilize harvest manage plant prepare propagate raise tend
STRONG
crop dress farm garden labor mature plow ripen seed till work
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon destroy disorganize ignore neglect
STRONG
idle laze relax
VERB
enrich situation; give special attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bolster cherish develop encourage enrich improve nourish promote refine
STRONG
advance ameliorate better civilize court discipline elevate foster further nurse nurture polish train
WEAK
bring on brown-nose butter up get in with get next to get on good side of play up to run after seek friendship shine up to suck up to take pains with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon damage decrease hurt
STRONG
condemn halt ignore neglect stop worsen
WEAK
destroy
VERB
nurture, take care of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cherish educate encourage improve promote pursue raise refine
STRONG
aid ameliorate better forward foster further help instruct nurse patronize rear support teach train
WEAK
devote oneself to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon damage decrease depress diminish hurt ignore stop
STRONG
block cease check halt hinder impede injure learn neglect obstruct oppose worsen
WEAK
destroy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Identifying and helping cultivate fresh storylines driven by relatable characters are integral to that success.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Despite having started her political career as a pro-independence advocate, Cheng has in recent years tried to cultivate a reputation as a peace builder.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

A native of Bologna, Carracci was renowned in his early career for such unidealized, close-up scenes of everyday life, and his first paintings speak to the moment, and market, that Caravaggio would cultivate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 warned in November that China was attempting to "cultivate individuals" with access to sensitive information about parliament and the UK government.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

A third stage involved fruit trees that proved much harder to cultivate, including apples, pears, plums, and cherries.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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