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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ferment
Jill Barth, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The man poured, Chekhov drank, the bubbles from the ferment seemed to rise into his eyes.
—Daniel Mason, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
When resistant starch gets to the colon, it's fermented by gut bacteria and turned into short-chain fatty acids.
—Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ferment
Noun
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
The man poured, Chekhov drank, the bubbles from the ferment seemed to rise into his eyes.
—Daniel Mason, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
One Japanese company is also making a special brew of sake fermented in space.
—Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
When resistant starch gets to the colon, it's fermented by gut bacteria and turned into short-chain fatty acids.
—Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 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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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
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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
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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Geopolitical unrest: Will global conflicts reshape your supply chain?—
Guy Courtin,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Haiti has for several years been under a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning from the U.S. State Department, citing kidnappings, crime, civil unrest and limited healthcare.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
16 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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Evan More has joined the company as a new Manager and Lucy Stover has been promoted from Talent Coordinator to Manager.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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