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

After collecting, rinse the seaweed and ferment it just like comfrey leaves to create a liquid fertilizer. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

In conventional winemaking, white grapes are pressed and the juice ferments separately from the skins. — Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Verb

Postbiotics are the material left over in the food, in the gut, by the bacteria that fermented the food item. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Separate bowls are suggested if wanting to ferment more pungent foods. — Shirl Leigh july 16, New Atlas, 17 July 2026