as in to grow
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripen
This viburnum variety great for wildlife enthusiasts, with fragrant white blooms and showy berries that ripen from red to black in autumn.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
The region benefits from plenty of sunshine, especially on south-facing slopes, ensuring optimal grape ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
While perfectly safe, ethylene—produced by foods like apples, bananas, stone fruit, and tomatoes—can speed up ripening of ethylene-sensitive fresh fare nearby.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
The fungal pathogen can quickly turn ripening grapes into cindery waste on the vine.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
The region benefits from plenty of sunshine, especially on south-facing slopes, ensuring optimal grape ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
While perfectly safe, ethylene—produced by foods like apples, bananas, stone fruit, and tomatoes—can speed up ripening of ethylene-sensitive fresh fare nearby.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
The fungal pathogen can quickly turn ripening grapes into cindery waste on the vine.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
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All three were still actively growing, Ramsay said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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There is growing evidence of the harms of work reporting requirements including cutting off access to health care, driving up uninsured rates, increasing the burden of medical debt, and a range of other adverse consequences.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Verb
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As the film progresses and Joel descends into a darker world of exploitation and cruelty, Cruise gradually chips away at his innocence to reveal a sober, world-weary demeanor.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
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Due to the shortage of hospital beds, the individuals are often stuck in legal limbo in which their cases can’t progress until they get treated.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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