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

From Rochester caves to Ballantyne coolers Once the two-week ripening process is complete, cheeses are packaged and shipped directly to stores. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026

Ian Freestone, emeritus professor of archaeological materials at University College London, suggested the green-to-red color change could relate to the ripening of a grape. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Growers commonly use sticky traps, often tapes or red spheres that resemble ripening apples, along with chemical or food-based lures, to attract adult flies. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

To speed up the ripening process, put the papaya in a paper bag for a couple of days. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2026

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

Verb

Forthright 2019 Merlot Oak Knoll District The 2019 vintage is known for a long, mild Napa growing season that delivered even ripening, bright acidity, and mature tannins. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026

Storing pears in the fridge will help to slow their ripening process for better control as well. — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026

Tomatoes can continue ripening indoors, either on the counter or in a cardboard box, Dahmen said. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Some also believe that keeping unripe tomatoes near onions can promote ripening. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 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

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