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
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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
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026
The brand’s proprietary bond-building complex features honey ferment, which has hydrating, strengthening, and anti-bacterial properties.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
This tea is made from the same plant as green tea (Camellia sinensis), but, unlike green tea, it is fermented.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
While recipes may vary slightly, garlic honey is essentially made by combining whole garlic cloves with honey and then letting the two ingredients ferment for weeks to months in a jar.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026
The brand’s proprietary bond-building complex features honey ferment, which has hydrating, strengthening, and anti-bacterial properties.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
The dough is fermented for 48 hours, hand-stretched and cooked in the kitchen’s all-electric Cuppone Italian Pizza oven.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
This tea is made from the same plant as green tea (Camellia sinensis), but, unlike green tea, it is fermented.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
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According to the official readouts, Xi and Putin appeared to be projecting a strong united front, with Moscow calling bilateral relations an important stabilizing factor at a time of growing global turmoil.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
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Gold prices climbed after major central banks added to their reserves and investors rushed to buy the traditional safe-haven asset amid global political turmoil.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His allies would say the victim had provoked their own death and blame Democrats for inciting the violence.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
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In the main event of SmackDown, Trick Williams defeated Damian Priest by DQ after provoking Sami Zayn.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These beers are spontaneously fermented, meaning that no yeast or other microbes are added to the beer by the brewer to cause fermentation.—
Don Tse,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Some Sourdough Breads Sourdough bread goes through a natural fermentation process using wild yeast and bacteria.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The health care company also raised its forecast range for profit this fiscal year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The reigning monarch, president or dictator then unleashes the national army/armed forces upon the populace/rioters in an attempt to quell the unrest.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
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This has been a season in which the franchise has had to deal with significant unrest, on and off the floor.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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LinkedIn data reveals that employees who combine hard and soft skills get promoted about 8% faster than those who focus only on technical abilities, and skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving are linked to promotions up to 11% faster.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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