as in flowering
the process of becoming mature
the ripening of a pumpkin can take a whole season
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in growing
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ripening
Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2025
However, all familiar fig varieties are parthenocarpic, meaning that the female syconia develop into tasty fruit without the benefit of pollination so male syconia are not needed for their maturation and ripening.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Other names — which make more sense to parts of the country and the world that don’t have sturgeon fish — include harvest moon, moon of the ripening, grain moon, green corn moon, black cherries moon and plum moon.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Merve Ceylan, Health, 5 Nov. 2025
Pruning peppers in fall not only encourages these plants to focus their energy on ripening any remaining fruit before frost arrives but also keeps them at a more manageable size to cover them as needed.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
The bag-ripening process works like a charm.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Berries are ripening, seeds are bursting, and insect populations are at their peak.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Refrigerating bananas slows ripening and reduces sugar spikes.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
After months of bilateral talks between the two countries, the moment was ripening for a provisional peace accord.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
Nature is rife with naturally occurring ethanol, particularly from ripening fruit, and that fruit in turn is consumed by various microorganisms and animal species.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
The 2021 growing season was cooler than average with maturation and ripening less harried than usual.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
This is the time of year for leaves crunching underfoot and the ripening of rosehips.
—Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2025
However, all familiar fig varieties are parthenocarpic, meaning that the female syconia develop into tasty fruit without the benefit of pollination so male syconia are not needed for their maturation and ripening.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Other names — which make more sense to parts of the country and the world that don’t have sturgeon fish — include harvest moon, moon of the ripening, grain moon, green corn moon, black cherries moon and plum moon.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
While ripening, antioxidants give the fruit its red color.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 5 Nov. 2025
Pruning peppers in fall not only encourages these plants to focus their energy on ripening any remaining fruit before frost arrives but also keeps them at a more manageable size to cover them as needed.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
The bag-ripening process works like a charm.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Berries are ripening, seeds are bursting, and insect populations are at their peak.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Refrigerating bananas slows ripening and reduces sugar spikes.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
After months of bilateral talks between the two countries, the moment was ripening for a provisional peace accord.
—Thomas De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
Nature is rife with naturally occurring ethanol, particularly from ripening fruit, and that fruit in turn is consumed by various microorganisms and animal species.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
The 2021 growing season was cooler than average with maturation and ripening less harried than usual.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripening
Noun
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Pousada Caminho do Sol Pousada Caminho do Sol, a mix of Tudor and Spanish architecture, is set among flowering gardens with stone walkways and a poolside patio.—
Aaron Randolph,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Getting tulips in containers through the winter is more challenging, as the bulbs are not sufficiently insulated and undergo frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which affect plant growth and flowering.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Starbucks’ success was forged on the back of a growing demand for Western luxuries, as well as a strategy of adapting p roducts for the market –– to appeal to customers beyond China’s top-tier cities.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
-
His election victory reflected a growing skepticism about multilateralism and global engagement more generally among Americans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Teaninich 8 Year Old ‘Daring Rye’ is a single grain whisky made with rye in the mashbill—uncommon but not unheard of in scotch whisky—giving it nice spice notes along with classic flavors picked up from its maturation in bourbon barrels.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
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Whether that prediction proves accurate will depend on both technological maturation and corporate America's willingness to embrace programmable money for mission-critical financial operations.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Redick said LeBron James, who didn’t travel with the team for the five-game trip, has done one-on-one work with coaches so far, and that the team is progressing from there in light of James being cleared for contact basketball activities.—
Khobi Price,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
-
But the turnaround under Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is still progressing nicely, driven by better execution on its 737 program.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
And in Wednesday’s conference call to investors after posting third quarter results, Rosenfeld expressed caution in connection to where the firm chooses to source, even though the reduction in the tariff rate on China is a welcome development.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
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If carried through, the changes would be a major win for Big Tech and the US, which has pushed for minimal restrictions to promote development and maintain a lead over China.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Caring Across Generations is a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people and aging adults who are working to make care more accessible, affordable and equitable for everyone.—
Katherine Schaffstall,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Factors that assist aging runners, such as medical treatment, recovery techniques and shoe technology, have gradually improved over time.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The presentation concluded with emphasis on Thailand’s maturing creative ecosystem, supported by eight key government agencies coordinating to promote Thai soft power, expand cultural influence and drive media exports while attracting international talent and investment.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
-
With Kendall as his guide, Marcus was maturing so quickly.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These incremental steps have helped the coffee chain stem a sales decline in China since earlier this year, with comparable sales returning to growth in the past two quarters.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
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In the short run, that can put a pinch on job growth.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ripening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripening. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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