as in to cultivate
to change (a wild animal or plant) over time to make it more suited to life with or use by humans
Humans domesticated wolves to produce man's best friend.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 domesticate
The impulse to domesticate performance into a comprehensible story was denied by the sensory bombardment of his productions.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Since the latest iteration of the virus first appeared in North America in 2021, wildlife officials estimate that hundreds of cats — wild and domesticated — have died as a result of infection, including 20 animals at a big cat sanctuary in Washington State in December.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
By the time that the 16th century Spanish conquered Mexico, the plant was domesticated and in use as an ornamental for various ceremonies.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
Whether it was domesticated by the Aztecs or an earlier civilization is unknown.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for domesticate
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Since the latest iteration of the virus first appeared in North America in 2021, wildlife officials estimate that hundreds of cats — wild and domesticated — have died as a result of infection, including 20 animals at a big cat sanctuary in Washington State in December.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
By the time that the 16th century Spanish conquered Mexico, the plant was domesticated and in use as an ornamental for various ceremonies.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
Whether it was domesticated by the Aztecs or an earlier civilization is unknown.
—Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for domesticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domesticate
Verb
-
Of the traits the Bills are likely looking for, those are the more difficult to cultivate at the NFL level.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Keep coming back to your long-term vision, and cultivate this mindset among all employees, regardless of their role.—
Alexandre Bonvin,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The actress trained with stunt teams daily for months to play Eve, a ballerina in Derek Kolstad's clandestine cinematic universe becoming as deadly as Reeves’ assassin — or deadlier?—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Your cabin crew has been trained to handle situations like this.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Researchers are also investigating whether coral fragments can be propagated in labs and replanted to restore reefs.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Add to that the fact that the majority of Japanese maples in America are propagated and grown in the Pacific Northwest.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Mangione handed arriving officers a fake New Jersey ID that was used at the New York City hostel days earlier and was subsequently arrested.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The secret is that Costco utilizes only roasted almonds to yield a rich, somewhat sweet spread without any additives, including salt, sugar, or oils.—
Joey Skladany,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Green is a versatile player out of Marshall, and Gannon could utilize his speed and power to disrupt the pocket. 17.—
Fox News Staff,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Notable Figures: During the quarter, the company's equity income in China produced a $45 million profit, compared to a loss of $106 million last year at this time.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Carlsberg said the loss last year of its exclusive license partnership to produce and distribute San Miguel had negatively impacted first-quarter sales.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Tree Hollows Tree hollows can collect rainwater and provide the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The mosquitoes can breed in standing water, so public health officials are asking that county residents allow vector control technicians to provide free inspections and advice, Nolasco said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This tree definitely has a flair for the dramatic, performing well throughout the South, displaying flowers up to 1 foot wide, growing as tall as 80 feet (depending on selection), featuring glossy evergreen foliage, and exuding a captivating scent that draws your attention.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Under California’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act, people 21 and older can legally grow, possess and use cannabis for recreational use.—
Sarah Linn,
Sacbee.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Domesticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domesticate. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share