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

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

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

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

Verb

The Best Way To Store Fresh Tomatoes For those tomatoes that need a little time ripening, leave them on the counter. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 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

But hotter springs and summers are accelerating the grape-ripening process, creating more sugary fruit and narrowing the optimum picking window for Champagne. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Separate bananas, wrap their stems, and keep them away from other fruits to delay ripening and preserve quality. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026

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