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
Because of its lingering ripening period, some gardeners wait until the fruit drops before consuming it.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Peppers An early start indoors is a must for peppers to begin ripening by mid-summer.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2026
The fruit ripens reliably, which leads to wines that feel generous and fruit driven without being jammy.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
By later in March, expect a gentle rain of goodness to begin to fall in your life, ripening seeds of love, family growth, fame and clarity.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Peppers An early start indoors is a must for peppers to begin ripening by mid-summer.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2026
The fruit ripens reliably, which leads to wines that feel generous and fruit driven without being jammy.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
By later in March, expect a gentle rain of goodness to begin to fall in your life, ripening seeds of love, family growth, fame and clarity.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Israel has raised its alert level amid growing indications of a potential joint US-Israel strike on Iran, Israeli sources told CNN.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Support for social media bans for teenagers has reportedly grown across the European Union.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the evening progresses, André doesn’t explicitly tell him to expand his horizons, but Shawn seemingly comes away with that life lesson.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
-
And with that connection comes a desire to help the sport grow and progress into the future.—
Outside,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
