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

Mangoes ripen best stored at room temperature; to speed ripening, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026

The flavor can change and any further ripening is halted in its tracks. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

That said, there are challenges with the fruit's uneven ripening window, shelf life and sensitivity to bruising. —New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026

Fortunately, a few simple storage methods can help extend their shelf life and slow the ripening process. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026

The pears, whose ripening has been slowed or stopped, create pressure on demand for California pears that begin to come into season in July. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Considered a classic example of an excellent season by many winemakers, 2022 had a dry winter and warm spring, which limited vine growth and resulted in small but very concentrated grapes, followed by a relatively mild autumn that allowed for ideal ripening conditions and a relaxed harvest. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026

The region’s breeze, combined with warm days and cool nights, slows the grape ripening process and allows the grapes to retain their freshness on the vine. —Nicole Findlay, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Verb

Refrigeration stops ripening cold. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

Netting is an effective barrier to keep squirrels away from ripening fruits and vegetables. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

For example, serviceberries provide spring-ripening fruit, red-twig dogwoods provide summer fruit, while hawthorns and crabapples provide fruit in fall and winter. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Some tricks to slow down ripening and prevent bruising include separating bananas from the bunch, hanging them from a hook, and wrapping their stems in plastic wrap to prevent the release of ethylene gas. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026

This slows the release of ethylene and helps delay ripening, and extends their shelf life by a few days. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026

Insects that lay eggs in the fruits are going to get a late start, so especially early ripening peaches may be insect free. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026

However, the pears being imported from Argentina are being treated with a gas called 1-MCP, that slows ripening by blocking ethylene receptors in the fruit. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Avoid placing the bulbs near fruit, as ripening fruit can accelerate sprouting. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026