Synonyms of ripening

ripening 1 of 2

noun

as in flowering

the process of becoming mature

the ripening of a pumpkin can take a whole season

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flowering
• maturation
• development
• maturing
• growth
• evolution
• progression
• blossoming
• softening
• flourishing
• maturity
• mellowing
• evolvement
• expansion
• coming-of-age

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decay
• deterioration
• degeneration
• declining
• decline
• decaying
• descent
• decadence
• wilting
• fading
• declension
• waning
• withering
• death
• end
• demise
• expiration
• shriveling
• exit
• dying
• perishing
• decease
• regression
• expiry
• reversion
• ebbing
• retrogression
• expiring

ripening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ripen

as in growing

to become mature

pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• growing
• progressing
• aging
• maturing
• developing
• growing up
• flowering
• blooming
• blossoming
• softening
• evolving
• flourishing
• mellowing
• burgeoning
• unfolding
• opening
• graying
• advancing
• getting along
• getting on

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drying
• declining
• deteriorating
• decaying
• worsening
• degenerating
• sinking
• drooping
• waning
• fading
• weakening
• sagging
• withering
• wasting (away)
• flagging
• shriveling
• returning
• wilting
• reverting
• regressing
• lapsing
• retrogressing
• backsliding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ripening

Noun

Storing the guava in the refrigerator will lengthen the ripening by an additional week or two. — Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026

In fact, anything decaying or ripening is fair game for a slug or snail. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The condition can disrupt the fruit's normal ripening process, leaving bananas green or greenish-yellow even after extended periods of time. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

The flavor can change and any further ripening is halted in its tracks. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

And as wine regions around the world search for varieties capable of maintaining freshness and balance in warmer conditions, Caíño Blanco's combination of naturally high acidity, late ripening, and climate resilience may prove more valuable than ever. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Sani says the very long and gentle ripening season allowed the grapes to achieve excellent phenolic maturity while preserving freshness, balance, and aromatic complexity. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 14 June 2026

This also means better tomato ripening and a better yield. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 12 June 2026

High temperatures can slow ripening, and the fruits can get sunscald. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 30 May 2026

Verb

This is a problem when grapes enter the ripening phase known as veraison, which many of Bordeaux’s grapes are currently experiencing. — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026

Fruit is ripening about three to four weeks ahead of schedule. — Lizzie Kane july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

The Science Behind This Tip Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of ripening fruit and decomposing produce. — Christine Fiorentino, Southern Living, 19 July 2026

Between summer heat, sporadic rainfall, vacations and inconsistent watering, some of us are noticing black sunken patches on the blossom end (bottoms) of our ripening fruit. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

The lush tomatoes of summer are ripening, perhaps even overflowing, in your garden. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026

Small, fast-ripening varieties like cherry tomatoes are also more reliable in hot weather than large beefsteak tomato types. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

Apples and blackberries are a quintessential flavor pairing during the shoulder season when the summer is beginning to wind down, wild blackberries are ripening, and early apples are being harvested. — Anna Kovel, Martha Stewart, 10 July 2026

Unlike Napa's warmer northern appellations, Frank Family's Chardonnay program is anchored in the cool-climate Carneros AVA, where fog from San Pablo Bay slows ripening and helps grapes retain bright natural acidity. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026