as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state
the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of ferment
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
The product’s high-performance formula includes actives like salicylic acid and niacinamide, as well as pre and probiotic ferments, a slew of soothing herbs (like centella (cica) asiatica, polygonum multiflorum, and cannabis sativa seed oil), and a protein cocktail of amino acid complex and biotin.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
Caitlin Beale,
Health,
23 June 2026
Because safe drinking water wasn't always available, fermented and brewed beverages like beer and cider were commonly consumed.
—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
Stop by Maine & Loire for a bottle of wine (or two) to bring back to your hotel, peruse Onggi for some ferment-forward pantry staples, snag some snacks from Sissle & Daughters, and browse through rare and vintage cookbooks at Rabelais.
—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
The product’s high-performance formula includes actives like salicylic acid and niacinamide, as well as pre and probiotic ferments, a slew of soothing herbs (like centella (cica) asiatica, polygonum multiflorum, and cannabis sativa seed oil), and a protein cocktail of amino acid complex and biotin.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
Verb
Tea, coffee, water, and fermented drinks are associated with healthy aging and longevity.
—
Caitlin Beale,
Health,
23 June 2026
Because safe drinking water wasn't always available, fermented and brewed beverages like beer and cider were commonly consumed.
—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
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The federal program, established by Congress in 1990, shields immigrants from countries in turmoil from deportation.
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This catastrophe severely exacerbates Venezuela's existing economic crisis and political turmoil, leaving children facing extreme deprivation, malnutrition, and disease.
Verb
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This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
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Israel has launched frequent campaigns against Hezbollah, most notably in 2006, when a Hezbollah cross-border raid and the capture of two Israeli soldiers provoked an extensive Israeli air and ground operation that lasted more than a month.
Noun
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To varying degrees of success, there's even some partial carbonic fermentation to soften tannins in certain cuvées.
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Kombucha Kombucha is made by combining tea with sugar, which serves as food for the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) during fermentation.
Verb
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Relatives identified the food vendor as Arabelia Martinez, 62, and have raised more than $100,000 to pay for therapy and replace the items damaged in the incident.
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Jake embraced his stepparent role wholeheartedly and helped raise Alex alongside Antonio and Rochelle.
Noun
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Haiti also did it without playing a single qualifying match in Haiti because of unrest.
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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained its large parliamentary majority in recent elections overshadowed by unrest in Africa’s second-most-populous country.
Verb
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While promoting Cape Fear on the SmartLess podcast, Adams told the story of saving a man’s life in Santa Monica.
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Supporters of Amendment 3 have used Thursday’s court ruling to promote the new amendment.
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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