ripen

verb

ˈrī-pən How to pronounce ripen (audio)
Definition of ripennext
as in to grow
to become mature pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ripen As the fruits ripen, the starch turns into simple sugars, increasing their GI. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 23 Oct. 2026 Forthright 2019 Merlot Oak Knoll District The 2019 vintage is known for a long, mild Napa growing season that delivered even ripening, bright acidity, and mature tannins. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 Tomatoes can continue ripening indoors, either on the counter or in a cardboard box, Dahmen said. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 By late summer, apples and grapes ripen, and hops are harvested through mid-September. — Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
  1. grow
  2. progress
Verb
  • Their activity creates a growing stream of branch updates, code reviews, merges, and repository downloads.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Tapestry's recognition also adds to a growing collection of national honors earned by Minnesota food businesses.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Initially, there’s a light, playful energy to the arrangement, but as the song progresses, the orchestration projects, and a full symphony emerges, infusing the piece with an unexpected intensity and dramatic power.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Students who were hesitant at first to share became more enthusiastic as conversations progressed.
    — Kyle Desrosiers-Levine, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of progress

Browse Nearby Words

ripe
ripen
ripened
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Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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