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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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
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
So to sum up, the difference between ales and lagers comes down to how the beer is fermented, not the strength, quality, or color. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2026 The collagen-rich mixture gives the noodles their slippery texture, which Orlando complements with smoked chili, sunflower-seed miso, and fermented chili cream. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 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
  • Bass has talked up the city’s drop in violent crime, including a 47% reduction in homicides, and warned that Raman’s plan to remove the police chief would throw the LAPD into turmoil right before the Olympics.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Strict controls on capital flows limit foreign investors’ participation in Chinese markets, reducing the possibility that turmoil could spread internationally.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Verb
  • Not to be all nostalgic, but there is a long history of the Steppenwolf audience showing up precisely to be provoked, made to think, or satirized themselves.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But can his way of working still provoke a new way of seeing?
    — Michael Brenson, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • Classical music is played during fermentation, a step used by some other brands that is certainly more gimmick than science.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Keeping fermentation, cooling and dispensing in the same keg removes the need to transfer a finished batch to a separate serving setup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Verb
  • Andy’s view The prospect of steep losses for Republicans in today’s midterms and the lame-duck presidency that ensues regardless raise a fundamental question about the outlook for a budding US-China détente.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In one video, Basabe appears to raise his voice at a man before turning around and shouting at a woman.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of raise
Noun
  • Police stood guard outside branches in what officials described as a precaution against unrest.
    — Jorge Saenz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In February, a student died during unrest over unpaid financial aid at Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of unrest
Verb
  • Rather than campaign for Whatley, he's been promoting his new book criticizing fellow Republicans.
    — Colin Campbell, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The pastor successfully converted his personal popularity into votes by promoting unity — both among Kansans and between political parties.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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