Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

To descend from Judah is to cultivate gratitude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Judging by the comments, Riches has managed to cultivate real credibility with his audience.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Even in good years, mangoes are considered one of the most difficult fruit crops to cultivate.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

It may be the side of his personality that allowed him to cultivate a solo career of uncompromising integrity and, in commercial terms, one criminally underrated.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Told him he was an unhealthy influence on me and advised him to cultivate one of my brothers instead?

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.