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

These types of produce release ethylene gas, which can quicken the ripening process. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

Advantages of cultivating a single clone include uniform ripening and flavor profile and consistent tannin and acidity levels, which allow for greater control over the final wine. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026

However, in Alder’s experiment, proximity to these fruits in a closed box did not hasten ripening. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026

In-season shopping reduces reliance on energy-intensive greenhouses, long-haul freight and artificial ripening. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

In-season shopping also leans less on energy-intensive greenhouses and artificial ripening, both of which drive up a food’s carbon footprint. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026

Underripe fruit should be stored at room temperature, either on the windowsill (direct sunlight will aid in ripening) or in a closed paper bag. — Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

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

Verb

For the same reason, remove any bananas that are ripening from the remaining bunch to slow down the process. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

Figs, unlike bananas, avocados and many stone fruits, do not keep ripening after they’ve been picked. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Table grapevines are not suitable for winemaking due to their lower sugar levels at ripening. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Avoid putting them in the refrigerator, as this will delay ripening. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026

Heat, however, according to Alder, does speed up ripening so that an avocado on a warm kitchen counter will ripen more quickly than one placed on a cool garage floor. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026

This summer’s record temperatures compressed the ripening period even further. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Heat speeds grape ripening Gobillard has seen the shift unfold across generations of his family. — Sylvie Corbet, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Unlike many fruits and vegetables, tomatoes can finish ripening after they’re harvested. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026