ripen

verb

ˈrī-pən How to pronounce ripen (audio)
Definition of ripennext
as in to grow
to become mature pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ripen But hotter springs and summers are accelerating the grape-ripening process, creating more sugary fruit and narrowing the optimum picking window for Champagne. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 Leave them on your counter for a few days to finish ripening. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 The deep blue berries that ripen in the fall stay on the plant until they are eaten by birds and other wildlife. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026 Separate bananas, wrap their stems, and keep them away from other fruits to delay ripening and preserve quality. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
  1. grow
  2. progress
Verb
  • The deal amid Utah’s growing push for advanced nuclear power.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, which, in severe cases, can lead to eclampsia, which involves seizures and can be life-threatening.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The status updates will show up in real time as the testing progresses, and the final reports, certificates, and structured test results will appear automatically.
    — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of progress

Browse Nearby Words

ripe
ripen
ripened
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Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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