seed 1 of 2

noun

ˈsēd How to pronounce seed (audio)
Definition of seednext
1
as in root
the source from which something grows or develops ancient Greece provided the seed for much of Western civilization's political and philosophical thought

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2
as in offspring
the descendants of a person, animal, or plant the famous stallion's seed can be found on racetracks all over the world

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seed

2 of 2

verb

as in to plant
to put or set into the ground to grow seeded grass in the backyard

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seed
Noun
The illicit cotton, which was stuffed into three large duffel bags, still contained seeds—a big no-no for CBP. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 But is all that sesame actually good for you, and are there meaningful nutrients hiding inside these small seeds? — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Such fraudulence bore only poisoned fruit, swelling overseas bank accounts for the Manchurian candidates who were seeding duplicity into the loam of their nation’s imagination. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 Many fintech companies that are now crucial to African commerce and trade were seeded by venture capital within the last decade. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seed
  1. root
  2. offspring
  3. plant
  4. origin
  5. fruit
  6. germ
  7. beginning
Noun
  • That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The materials used can vary widely, including roots, herbs, crystals, stones, coins, cloth, ceramic sherds, pins, powders, and the body parts of animals.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • In front, Palo Alto 30-somethings bob in the waves on their surfboards, cheered on by their WASPy spouses clad in linen tunics, who keep half an eye on their salty-haired offspring hunting for seashells on the beach.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Unusually for insects, the polyphagous shot-hole borer does not require a male to produce offspring.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of offspring
Verb
  • The message was about taking care of one another — a seed Dyer has worked hard to plant and grow since leaving his electrical engineering career more than a decade ago to become a Presbyterian minister.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson’s draft night peers await The Bulls rookie planted his flag some time ago.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of plant
Noun
  • However, the notion of the emperor’s divine origins strengthened during the Meiji era, when the concept of State Shinto arose.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Experts suspect the hackers are from China, but neither Taiwan, nor Dream would confirm the origin of the July attacks.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of origin
Noun
  • Around the age of 10 I was enrolled in a community art class where, on the first day, we were instructed to sketch a bowl of fruit placed on a table in front of us.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Their sustainable food and beverage operations include harvesting fruit and vegetables from their on-site pesticide-free garden and their ongoing relationships with local farmers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fruit
Noun
  • Using high heat — over 200 F to 300 F, or 93 C to 149 C — and less than 5% water, dry steam kills germs, dust mites and mold without harsh chemicals.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But for a slipper option, opt for these packable Snoozies Non-slip Slippers that keep your feet warm (and germ-free) when walking around the hotel room.
    — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of germ
Noun
  • Unlike 12 years ago, predation isn’t centred on a minority; 11 different Premier League clubs have lost players to the ‘Big Six’ since the beginning of last summer.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • At the beginning of the year, some volunteers within Coppell ISD went door-to-door to recruit and keep students in public education.
    — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning

Phrases Containing seed

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see after
seed
seedbed
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Cite this Entry

“Seed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seed. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seed

Nglish: Translation of seed for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seed

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