Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for cultivate. Search instead for cultivat.
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.

Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus, making it an unusual fruit to cultivate.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Others say social media’s algorithmic ability to capture, cultivate and control attention makes it fundamentally different from teen-friendly romantasy novels, Marvel movies or first-person shooter games.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

To descend from Judah is to cultivate gratitude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"We hope Israel will help us cultivate our dry land," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

Another manual advised me to be silent, but not always so, that I might cultivate the art of witty but modest conversation that was the mark of a court lady.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing cultivate

The Vernal Vocabulary of Spring

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!