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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
These were times of political ferment.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
These bacteria ferment milk sugar, or lactose, into flavor compounds and organic acids, which give the butter a mild tang and complex flavor.
—Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
Ingredients like Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments support the scalp environment, while caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and salicylic acid refresh buildup-prone roots and keep scalps feeling balanced.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
These were times of political ferment.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Verb
This simple cocktail was created by iichiko Shochu, a Japanese spirit made from 100% two-row barley, fermented with koji, the umami-rich ingredient used in fermenting foods like miso and soy sauce.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
These bacteria ferment milk sugar, or lactose, into flavor compounds and organic acids, which give the butter a mild tang and complex flavor.
—Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
-
Years of turmoil presaged the takeover.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2026
-
In turn, bonds often become less attractive in response to economic turmoil.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
Butler had pleaded guilty to harassment likely to provoke violence, felon in possession of a weapon and theft in Alaska, but did not report to jail.—
Jen Guadarrama,
IndyStar,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
This noteworthy antioxidant content is also due to fermentation.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
Their complexity came not from oak but from agave selection, fermentation, roasting, and distillation.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
But after community concerns were raised, work on the Jefferson side is being delayed, according to the memo.—
Dawn White,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
But recently, public health officials have raised alarms about a component of the leaf called 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, an alkaloid that has the potential for abuse and addiction in high doses.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
With one eye on opportunities tied to staggering technological advances, massive investments and soaring equity markets, and the other on inflation, global unrest and rising risks, businesses are choosing to build while the building is good.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
-
He was initially paid to post anti-Islam posters and graffiti in Muslim neighborhoods of London, an apparent attempt to stoke unrest.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
When the company launched Fox One, its new subscription streaming service aimed at cord cutters, Murdoch forbid the company from promoting the outlet to traditional TV audiences, a bid to ensure the new platform wouldn’t upset its relationships with cable and video distributors.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
Tom Holland and Zendaya made promoting their new movie look like a casual date moment.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
