incubation

[in-kyuh-bey-shuhn, ing-] / ˌɪn kyəˈbeɪ ʃən, ˌɪŋ- /

NOUN

gestation

Synonyms

STRONG

evolution fecundation gravidity growth maturation pregnancy reproduction ripening

Antonyms

STRONG

decrease

NOUN

preparation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrangement construction education establishment formation groundwork measure plan precaution preparedness qualification rehearsal study training

STRONG

alertness anticipation background base basis evolution expectation fitting foresight foundation gestation homework manufacture provision readying rundown safeguard schoolwork substructure tryout workout

WEAK

buildup dry run getting ready lead time making ready preparing putting in order

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance

WEAK

ingredient unreadiness

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.

"Part of the difficulty lies in reconstructing oviraptor incubation realistically," said Su.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

The virus is contagious only when symptoms appear after an incubation period of two to 21 days.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

The incubation period can stretch from several days to three weeks.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

Depending on the species of vulture we're talking about, incubation ranges from 50 days to almost two months.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

He bowed to Frightful and called the note that broke the incubation trance.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George