RIPENING Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

ripening 1 of 2

noun

as in flowering

the process of becoming mature the ripening of a pumpkin can take a whole season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ripening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ripen

as in growing

to become mature pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ripening

Noun

In-season shopping reduces reliance on energy-intensive greenhouses, long-haul freight and artificial ripening. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 In-season shopping also leans less on energy-intensive greenhouses and artificial ripening, both of which drive up a food’s carbon footprint. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026 Underripe fruit should be stored at room temperature, either on the windowsill (direct sunlight will aid in ripening) or in a closed paper bag. — Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 Storing the guava in the refrigerator will lengthen the ripening by an additional week or two. — Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 In fact, anything decaying or ripening is fair game for a slug or snail. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The condition can disrupt the fruit's normal ripening process, leaving bananas green or greenish-yellow even after extended periods of time. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 The flavor can change and any further ripening is halted in its tracks. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 And as wine regions around the world search for varieties capable of maintaining freshness and balance in warmer conditions, Caíño Blanco's combination of naturally high acidity, late ripening, and climate resilience may prove more valuable than ever. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Verb

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 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 This is a problem when grapes enter the ripening phase known as veraison, which many of Bordeaux’s grapes are currently experiencing. — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 Fruit is ripening about three to four weeks ahead of schedule. — Lizzie Kane july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 Between summer heat, sporadic rainfall, vacations and inconsistent watering, some of us are noticing black sunken patches on the blossom end (bottoms) of our ripening fruit. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 The lush tomatoes of summer are ripening, perhaps even overflowing, in your garden. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026 Small, fast-ripening varieties like cherry tomatoes are also more reliable in hot weather than large beefsteak tomato types. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripening

Noun

The early-season flowering bulb, which is a genus in the Iridaceae (iris) family, is known for its ability to bloom in late winter and early spring.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
His flowering is optimal for someone who hosts a show called The Reluctant Traveler, and Levy and director David Brindley both agree that the comedian’s hesitations have waned — at least a little.

— Matthew Jacobs, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of flowering

Verb

Because growing the rice itself is not profitable, even with historic high prices for Japanese rice, the company supports the agricultural costs through side ventures including a restaurant and an ice cream brand launched this summer.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
The deployment of more than 1,500 soldiers to protect Michoacán’s avocado-growing region and recent arrests of people allegedly involved in extortion have eased concerns, but only partially.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of growing

Noun

Bavik keeps things classic, brewing with 100% malt and aroma hops, then letting the beer chill out for an extended cold maturation.

— Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
And the six to seven years that regular Maker’s bourbon is aged for is considered to be a maturation sweet spot by many.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of maturation

Verb

All four semifinalists have qualified for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, while Ghana and South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive by progressing to the World Cup intercontinental playoffs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
The drilling pilot project was progressing but then came a new dispute with the government over a permit—or lack thereof—to recently move drilling equipment to the region.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of progressing

Noun

The Australians do provide a men’s and women’s singles berth for a player from the Asia-Pacific region, to foster development in less traditional tennis countries.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The project now moves into a phase where engineering, construction and workforce development will carry as much importance as diplomacy.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of development

Verb

As for metal, solid gold, whether yellow, white, or rose, remains the steadiest choice, aging with grace and holding its value across the years.

— Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of aging

Noun

The growth trajectory Neville talks about — industry sources estimate the brand will reach $100 million in net revenue this year — has not gone unnoticed by the industry.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
With rising geopolitical tensions, a surge in domestic competition and a disconnect from the Chinese consumer, American companies have lost ground in the region that once offered fuel for growth.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of growth

Verb

But maturing onscreen — and the endless scrutiny that came with it — led to lifelong self-esteem issues, especially after she was cast as the superhero cheerleader Claire Bennett on Heroes at 17 in 2006.

— Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
Acorns, dogwood berries, wild grapes and blackberries are just a few of the dozens of fruits now maturing.

— Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of maturing

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ripeness

ripening

ripens

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“Ripening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripening. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ripening

noun

verb

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