Synonyms of ferment

ferment 1 of 2

noun

ˈfər-ˌment 

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

• turmoil
• fermentation
• unrest
• tension
• excitement
• confusion
• anxiety
• restlessness
• uneasiness
• unease
• turbulence
• disquiet
• upheaval
• agitation
• chaos
• stir
• trouble
• restiveness
• disruption
• Sturm und Drang
• storm
• unquietness
• commotion
• anarchy
• perturbation
• tumult
• hubbub
• disorder
• unsettlement
• uproar
• tumultuousness
• fidgets
• disquietude
• moil
• inquietude
• welter
• queasiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace
• ease
• calm
• quiet
• tranquility
• order
• peacefulness
• orderliness

ferment

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)fər-ˈment 

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

• provoke
• raise
• promote
• foment
• encourage
• brew
• trigger
• incite
• cultivate
• set in motion
• stimulate
• stir (up)
• instigate
• whip (up)
• pick
• abet
• foster
• nurture
• further
• nourish
• sow
• inspire
• forward
• set off
• advance
• rouse
• motivate
• detonate
• inflame
• galvanize
• activate
• excite
• energize
• invigorate
• enliven
• jazz (up)
• quicken
• set
• vitalize
• fire
• pep (up)
• liven (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regulate
• hold
• restrain
• inhibit
• check
• discourage
• curb
• rein (in)
• constrain
• tame
• settle
• subdue
• calm
• allay
• bridle
• soothe
• quiet
• still
• tranquilize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ferment

Noun

In natural process, coffee beans are left with the cherry, or fruit pulp, intact to ferment and dry. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

VagiBiOM features hyaluronic acid, lactobacillus ferment and lactic acid. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

The agave hearts, or pinas, are harvested and then cooked, crushed, fermented, and distilled. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026

Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and trehalose provide hydration, while fermented extracts from pear, pomegranate, and barley to complete the ingredient list. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026