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

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

These fruits emit ethylene gas, which naturally speeds up the ripening process. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 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

Natural yeasts ferment fruit during the ripening process, according to a study in Oxford Academic. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 May 2026

The rain and cool weather have meant slow ripening, but also (seemingly) faster spoilage. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2026

Avoid storing cauliflower next to produce that produce ethylene gas (such as apples, melons, peaches, plums, pears, or mangoes), which will speed up the ripening (and eventual rotting) process. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

Verb

Los Niños benefited from the slow and even ripening conditions, allowing for a relatively late harvest that led to high concentration and vibrant acidity. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 14 June 2026

For peaches that are still ripening, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 June 2026

The internet is never short on food ripening tricks, and microwaving an avocado is one that is commonly misunderstood. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

That's because several fruits like apples, bananas, avocados, and tomatoes produce ethylene gas, a ripening hormone. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Netting Most experts agree that netting is the most effective way to physically prevent birds from eating your berries or ripening fruit harvest. —Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 24 May 2026

However, the capsaicin content of peppers doesn’t increase at a steady rate during the pepper-ripening process. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026

Certain Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Enzymes in fruits and vegetables promote chemical reactions, such as ripening. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024