1
as in to watch
to take charge of especially on behalf of another
tend the store while I run an errand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care
lately I haven't been doing a good job of tending my garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about
the dying patriarch wondered who would tend the family business after he was gone
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tend
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
Airfare tends to spike or be higher during federal holiday weekends like the Fourth of July and Labor Day, Hopper found.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 31 May 2025
Instead, candidates must rely on self-funding, which tends to favor the wealthy.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tend
Verb
Towels that are left in pile on the floor and aren't dried properly tend to develop musty odors and should be washed immediately.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
Airfare tends to spike or be higher during federal holiday weekends like the Fourth of July and Labor Day, Hopper found.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 31 May 2025
Instead, candidates must rely on self-funding, which tends to favor the wealthy.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tend
Cite this Entry
“Tend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tend. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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