ferment 1 of 2

noun

ˈfər-ˌment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
Definition of fermentnext
as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote

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ferment

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)fər-ˈment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the various social and economic factors that fermented the major cultural change during the U.S. during the 1960s

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ferment
Noun
Salt & Stone deodorants sometimes use spirulina and lactobacillus ferment for prebiotics and other ingredients. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 10 July 2026 After collecting, rinse the seaweed and ferment it just like comfrey leaves to create a liquid fertilizer. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Verb
Research suggests fermented foods like yogurt and kefir may help complement the beneficial bacteria already living in the gut. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026 Sourdough starter is a slow leavener that ferments the dough, which is what makes sourdough bread healthier. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
  1. turmoil
  2. provoke
  3. fermentation
  4. raise
  5. unrest
  6. promote
Noun
  • During a 2023 reunion episode of the TLC reality show, Janelle expressed her inner turmoil regarding her views on her union with Kody.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The turmoil after the removal of former prime minister Imran through a vote of no confidence in April 2022 reverberated through the corridors of power at the PCB.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Verb
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The sources added that the relationship breakdown also provoked serious concerns about the wellbeing of the senior colleague.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • Fly By Jing street noodles go through a two-day fermentation process and are sun-dried and hand-cut, resulting in a bouncy, chewy texture that goes above and beyond the cup of noodles of your dorm days.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While Vapoura’s molasses derives from sugar cane produced in Mauritius, the preparation, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling all happen in England.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Verb
  • Residents in some of those markets continue to raise concerns about drone noise and privacy and how those issues could hurt property values.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, Schwartzel was one of the few candidates in the race who was actually born and raised in the state.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of raise
Noun
  • Other factors have contributed to unrest over inflation, some analysts said.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Any potential for unrest or protests related to people’s monitoring of market forecasts is likely to come in the days following the election, while ballots still are being counted, Logan said.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrest
Verb
  • Perhaps Patrick Dorgu should stay on the left, but given United would be expected to have much more of the ball against promoted Hull next Saturday, Matheus Cunha would likely get in there for his attacking flair.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Wrangler and Lee owner Kontoor Brands has promoted Joseph Alkire to president and chief financial officer.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of promote

Browse Nearby Words

ferine
ferment
fermentation
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Cite this Entry

“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ferment for Spanish Speakers

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