Synonyms of ripen

ripen

verb

ˈrī-pən 

as in to grow

to become mature

pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grow
• progress
• develop
• mature
• grow up
• age
• bloom
• flower
• soften
• evolve
• blossom
• flourish
• mellow
• open
• unfold
• gray
• burgeon
• get on
• get along
• advance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deteriorate
• decay
• worsen
• decline
• sink
• dry
• degenerate
• wilt
• shrivel
• weaken
• fade
• wither
• wane
• waste (away)
• sag
• revert
• flag
• return
• droop
• regress
• lapse
• retrogress
• backslide

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ripen

Figs, unlike bananas, avocados and many stone fruits, do not keep ripening after they’ve been picked. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Table grapevines are not suitable for winemaking due to their lower sugar levels at ripening. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

There, wisteria blooms on trellises, raspberries ripen on bushes, a cold-plunge pool commands sweeping views of downtown Manhattan—and a chicken coop looms in the corner. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

Unripe avocados should ripen on the counter, while ripe ones last longer in the refrigerator. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026