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
Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 14 Nov. 2024
This intellectual and cultural ferment has given rise to an impressive array of restaurants that punch well above their weight for a city of Providence's size.
—Jill Barth, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most often with napa cabbage and some sort of radish along with carrots, garlic, ginger and chili.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
The dumplings, the side dishes with pops of ferment and spice, the Pekin duck — all perfectly executed.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 14 Nov. 2024
This intellectual and cultural ferment has given rise to an impressive array of restaurants that punch well above their weight for a city of Providence's size.
—Jill Barth, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
Soy Sauce Soy sauce is made by fermenting wheat and soybeans.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most often with napa cabbage and some sort of radish along with carrots, garlic, ginger and chili.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
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The number comes as Trump's varying tariffs plan has led to market turmoil and raised fears about an impending recession.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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His answer, given the exceptional political and economic turmoil in Canada, was a bit surprising.—
Ian Austen,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump’s comments have provoked a strong reaction, including boycotts on U.S. goods and protests.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Inferring from these results, the researchers believe that fermentation could unlock the food options available to astronauts on long journeys, since the process could be applied to preserve fresh foods for longer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Apr. 2025
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That’s where fermentation offers an interesting solution.—
Katie Stone,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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The resulting footprint is T-shaped, creating numerous pockets of outdoor space just begging to be built out with cushy outdoor seating, raised garden beds, an al fresco dining room, or your very own lanai.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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All but one of the 26 people massacred were Indian citizens, prompting a new wave of unrest in a region claimed by both Pakistan and India and that has been the epicenter of often violent territorial struggle between the two countries.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2025
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The president’s tariff policy is another issue, along with a general state of unrest in Washington and rising concern that pressure from a variety of fronts could push the U.S. into recession.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Infielder David Villar was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Aguilera, 22, enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, according to the Marine 1st Division.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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