ferment 1 of 2

noun

ˈfər-ˌment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
Definition of fermentnext
as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote

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ferment

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)fər-ˈment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
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

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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 ferment
Noun
Agave ferments have roots in Mesoamerican culture, but mezcal specifically was invented during Mexico’s colonial era with the introduction of Filipino-style stills. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026 Instead, FODMAPs retain water and ferment in the colon, which causes gas and other digestive symptoms. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 14 July 2026
Verb
Research suggests fermented foods like yogurt and kefir may help complement the beneficial bacteria already living in the gut. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026 Sourdough starter is a slow leavener that ferments the dough, which is what makes sourdough bread healthier. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
  1. turmoil
  2. provoke
  3. fermentation
  4. raise
  5. unrest
  6. promote
Noun
  • During a 2023 reunion episode of the TLC reality show, Janelle expressed her inner turmoil regarding her views on her union with Kody.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The turmoil after the removal of former prime minister Imran through a vote of no confidence in April 2022 reverberated through the corridors of power at the PCB.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Verb
  • Corben has previously clashed with Gabela and Gabela’s wife, Mariela, who have accused Corben of provoking them to get views for his content.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Keitel’s Feraud keeps provoking the feud; Carradine’s D’Hubert recognizes its madness but remains too bound by the same code of honor to walk away.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • The flavors here may lean Middle Eastern, but the techniques are more Danish, using concepts like fermentation, lamination, and seasonal flavors.
    — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tropical fruit notes are nothing new to seasoned whisky drinkers, the result of the yeast strain that is used for the fermentation process that often become much more noticeable after a whisky has aged for several decades.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Verb
  • Residents in some of those markets continue to raise concerns about drone noise and privacy and how those issues could hurt property values.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, Schwartzel was one of the few candidates in the race who was actually born and raised in the state.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of raise
Noun
  • Denis, who goes by Jan Mapou after his store, Libreri Mapou, has long been a fixture in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a refuge since the 1970s for Haitians fleeing dictators and political unrest.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Columbia, which doesn’t have its own police force, handled the unrest by shutting, reopening, and resealing its borders, confusing even itself.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrest
Verb
  • Earlier this year, the diner rolled out the Fiesta Chicken Protein Bowl, promoting the dish's 52 grams of protein.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The key takeaway is that dietary protein and resistance training work together to promote muscle growth and maintain strength.
    — Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of promote

Browse Nearby Words

ferine
ferment
fermentation
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Cite this Entry

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

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