as in to grow
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
This variety is heat-tolerant and typically ripens later in summer, from July to August, says McCabe.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
If storing longer, look for green bananas, which will ripen over several days at room temperature.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
Tiny fruit flies come in from outside, attracted to ripening produce on your kitchen counter, or they may be brought in on infested fruit.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Under the correct refrigeration conditions, the pears can be allowed to ripen at their destination.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
If storing longer, look for green bananas, which will ripen over several days at room temperature.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
Tiny fruit flies come in from outside, attracted to ripening produce on your kitchen counter, or they may be brought in on infested fruit.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Under the correct refrigeration conditions, the pears can be allowed to ripen at their destination.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
-
As ideological blocs collapsed, political scientist Samuel Huntington’s influential 1996 book Clash of Civilizations articulated a growing anxiety that globalization would harden into cultural antagonism rather than consensus.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
New Era, a 200-bed facility, has had recurring outbreaks of Legionella, the bacteria that grow within water and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, records show.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As mission teams progress through the countdown, expect to hear SLS, which stands for Space Launch System, to indicate the rocket.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
-
There are two types of sleeping sickness, each named after the region of Africa where it was historically found; both progress through two distinct stages.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
