fallow 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of fallownext
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the coal mine has been lying fallow since the drop in prices made it unprofitable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fallow

2 of 2

verb

as in to rake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 fallow
Adjective
The average age of their starting line-up on Sunday was their joint-youngest in a league match under Guardiola since, perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, July 2020, the end of that rare fallow season. — Sam Lee, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 In the years that followed, however, grass accumulated on the fallow and ungrazed farmland, and devastating fires erupted. — Bydan Charles, science.org, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
As farmers fallow more land in California’s Central Valley — due to drought and groundwater regulations — more dust could be kicked up, polluting low-income communities of color that already suffer from some of the nation’s worst air quality. — Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Noah Hiscox, a Coolidge farmer for 44 years, is among the growers who expect to fallow much of their land. — Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 4 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for fallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallow
  1. dormant
  2. rake
  3. off
  4. hoe
  5. vacant
  6. list
  7. idle
  8. harrow
Adjective
  • Similarly, a fractional COO could focus on scaling operations during a rapid growth phase and lay dormant during less operationally challenging times.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The real culprits, of course, are those bio-raptors who have a severe allergic reaction to light, and (much like certain species of cicada) have lain dormant for years on end.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of dormant
Verb
  • Grab your heavy-duty broom or rake and sweep debris manually wherever tidying up is needed.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Ready for weeding, raking, or the occasional non-gardening task, put these gloves to the test.
    — Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of rake
Adjective
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of off
Verb
  • Wayward rhizomes that pop up as new plants can be hoed or chopped.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The directors branch is notoriously snobby, which will be a tough row to hoe for Wicked’s Jon M. Chu, who got his start directing films in the Step Up and G.I. Joe franchises.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024
Definition of hoe
Adjective
  • The now vacant patch of land is roughly a mile west of Interstate 35W, within walking distance of a post office, a gas station, a high school and miles of subdivisions.
    — Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The 27-year-old Ennis (33-0-0-1 with 29 knockouts) won the vacant IBF interim welterweight crown in January 2023 with a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of vacant
Verb
  • Today, Ford is listed at -1400 over Mattice, who is a +600 betting underdog.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The official order includes an annex that lists the 15 related semiconductor imports that are exempt.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of list
Adjective
  • These men would have long periods of time being idle, and the contrast between boredom and peril is pretty extreme.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At 45-32, the Clippers are tied with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves and No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies, who were both idle.
    — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of idle
Verb
  • The research fellow who met me, Birte, was in her forties, and appeared as if she had been harrowed by her work.
    — John Ganz, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024
  • Plus, Shin Ha-young is given little to do in the second half of the series despite her effortless shift from warm third wheel to harrowed and weary abuse victim.
    — Geoffrey Bunting, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2023
Definition of harrow

Browse Nearby Words

fallouts
fallow
fallowed
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Cite this Entry

“Fallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallow. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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