as in to grow
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripen
The fruit may also take longer to ripen, especially in cooler climates or shorter growing seasons.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
One of the last to ripen in the entire appellation, this vineyard is surrounded by thick woods that protect it from the warm and humid westerly winds.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 May 2026
At this time of the year tomatoes need to be in the ground and producing fruits to ripen in a few weeks.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
However, always wait to pick your tomatoes once the pink appears, as fully green tomatoes won’t ripen properly once off the plant.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
One of the last to ripen in the entire appellation, this vineyard is surrounded by thick woods that protect it from the warm and humid westerly winds.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 May 2026
At this time of the year tomatoes need to be in the ground and producing fruits to ripen in a few weeks.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
However, always wait to pick your tomatoes once the pink appears, as fully green tomatoes won’t ripen properly once off the plant.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
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Kreith advises using heavy duty cages for tomatoes, arches for beans, stakes for peppers and eggplant, and a trellis for cucumbers, which grow as a vine.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Isaac Rangaswami, a former tech-company copywriter, first grew a following around an Instagram account called @caffs_not_cafes, which highlighted historic, low-key, unheralded London canteens.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
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As Dan’s relationship with Kolkena progressed, Betty reportedly left vulgar and threatening messages on the couple’s answering machine, prompting Dan to threaten criminal contempt action, according to the Los Angeles Times.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Much as Vegas shifted momentum after looking like the lesser team during a split of Games 1 and 2, the Ducks would have to respond as the series progressed.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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