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overripe

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈrīp How to pronounce overripe (audio)
Definition of overripenext
as in decayed
having lost forcefulness, courage, or spirit an overripe artist whose abstract paintings are no longer considered fresh or significant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 overripe At its proudly overripe heart, the series is a gothic domestic soap—Lifetime themes gussied up in Southern finery. — Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2022 Check your raspberry patch and harvest every few days to avoid overripe fruit that attracts picnic beetles and other pests. — Melinda Myers, Star Tribune, 30 July 2021 Chilling your tomatoes can cause loss of sweetness and texture but is an option if the tomatoes are overripe (and always refrigerate a tomato that has been cut). — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 June 2021 In cooler vintages, when the grapes are not so overripe, this wine should excel. — Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2021 The wines are full-bodied but not at all overripe or forced, to use Thera’s term. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overripe
  1. decayed
  2. degenerate
  3. weak
  4. decadent
  5. degraded
  6. effete
  7. washed-up
  8. soft
Adjective
  • In 2022, a man's decayed body was found stuffed into a metal barrel.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The soil should be moist, faintly acid smelling, from its infusion of decayed compost.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of decayed
Adjective
  • When the discs degenerate, vertebrae lose the spongy buffer between bones, resulting in pain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Or when some man behaving like a degenerate gambler plods into Chelsea Gray’s DMs with a disgusting slur.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of degenerate
Adjective
  • But the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has devolved significantly since its glory days atop the comedy calendar, proving to be a weaker platform for political satire than the Onion’s takeover of Infowars.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Production disruptions and weak output in Chile, the world’s biggest producer, sent prices to record highs, with the US accumulating huge stockpiles and smelters in China forced to turn to scraps to meet that country’s industrial needs.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • This decadent Jewish bakery staple is definitely doable at home— and most delicious when served soon after baking.
    — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Plenty of people hire the whole place and throw the ultimate decadent house party.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of decadent
Adjective
  • Her organization supplies useful trees, restores degraded land while improving biodiversity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The hospital treats about 175 major pediatric spine cases per year, sparing patients from pain, and in some advanced cases, degraded lung function.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of degraded
Adjective
  • Republicans have sought to cast him as an effete extremist.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026
  • Scarf critics accuse the accessory—and by extension, its wearers—of being effete or affected.
    — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of effete
Adjective
  • Over the decades, the unassuming, borderline satirical roadside bar became a local landmark, attracting everyone from blue-collar workers and washed-up musicians to artists, retirees, bikers, and those who stop in simply to see what’s in a name.
    — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Deborah sees Ava as entitled and self-righteous, Ava sees Deborah as washed-up and boring.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Definition of washed-up
Adjective
  • Paris Baguette serves sweet and savory pastries, wraps, breakfast sandwiches and cakes, including chocolate hazelnut with Nutella, a chocolate mousse, salted caramel layer cake, a blueberry chiffon cake and a strawberry soft cream cake.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For those not quite ready to descend immediately into oxbloods, blacks, and vampy winter tones, taupe offers a softer way in.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of soft

Browse Nearby Words

overriding
overripe
overrode
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Cite this Entry

“Overripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overripe. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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