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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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ferment
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
The finish leans a bit tacky for my taste and there is a faint yeasty scent (probably due to the marine ferment).
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 14 Aug. 2025
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Each agave plant takes at least seven years to mature and is farmed without pesticides or chemicals before being roasted, fermented, and distilled in copper stills.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
The pulp and liquid are necessary to help the seeds ferment over the next few days.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
The finish leans a bit tacky for my taste and there is a faint yeasty scent (probably due to the marine ferment).
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
If left for too long, especially in hot, humid weather, mold and bacteria will grow, and the nectar will ferment.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Each agave plant takes at least seven years to mature and is farmed without pesticides or chemicals before being roasted, fermented, and distilled in copper stills.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
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The protections for people fleeing turmoil in their home countries were always meant to be temporary, and the Department of Homeland Security has the power to revoke them without court interference, the Justice Department said in a court filing.—
Michael Casey,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
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This administration is trying to thrust our country into turmoil in order to reap power for themselves.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Prolonged isolation in detention can provoke psychological symptoms, including paranoia, PTSD and depression, that can lead to suicide, Peeler said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Known for excellent hazy IPAs as well as a stellar mixed fermentation/sour program, Hill Farmstead is worth the drive as some beer people consider a visit to their small but inviting tasting room almost a religious pilgrimage.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Process the seeds using the same fermentation technique as for tomato seeds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Among them were countless era-defining releases that are still among the best movies ever made—of any genre—from the haunting Rebecca to the gripping Rear Window, and the ravishing Vertigo to the hair-raising Psycho.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2025
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There were times when raising kids, building careers, and paying bills felt overwhelming.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Nepal’s current bout of political unrest started in early September, when a group of young Nepalis, fed up with seeing politicians’ children posting about their designer handbags and luxury travel while most people struggle to make ends meet, organized a peaceful protest.—
Sugam Pokharel,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
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International headlines often paint Haiti as a nation gripped by crisis — from political unrest and economic hardship to uncertainty about the future and unruly crime.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rising pressure on Nvidia Huawei’s announcement comes as China promotes homegrown alternatives to Nvidia.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
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The turn of the century saw the advent of rhizobial soil inoculants for improving legume growth, with the FDA promoting such applications.—
Anna Marija Helt,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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