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

Normally, bacteria in the colon ferment fiber and carbohydrates for energy. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The owners slow-ferment their pizza dough for 24 to 48 hours and make all sauces from scratch. — Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Her father’s niche was fermenting waste from local businesses and selling it as compost. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

Bubbling Jam Jam that’s bubbling or weeping liquid could be fermenting. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026