as in grows
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripens
This diurnal shift ripens Lodi’s produce and punches up its flavor.
—
Ligaya Malones, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Their fruit typically ripens in mid-September.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
The skin ripens to bright yellow with green stripes, and the flesh has a pink hue.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
The fruit ripens reliably, which leads to wines that feel generous and fruit driven without being jammy.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The majority of Malbec in Bordeaux died out from frost in the 1950s, and Petit Verdot often ripens too late to make it into the final blend, so many vineyards have been replanted with other varieties over the years.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Ligaya Malones, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Their fruit typically ripens in mid-September.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
The skin ripens to bright yellow with green stripes, and the flesh has a pink hue.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
The fruit ripens reliably, which leads to wines that feel generous and fruit driven without being jammy.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The majority of Malbec in Bordeaux died out from frost in the 1950s, and Petit Verdot often ripens too late to make it into the final blend, so many vineyards have been replanted with other varieties over the years.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripens
Verb
-
Details and design reflect that philosophy, from the wood fire burning in reception and the garden where your dinner grows to the private onsen steaming quietly while snow falls just feet away.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
There is an anticipation of a logjam of players in the coming season or two, as the clock starts ticking on the eligibility of 19-year-olds, and their desperation to join a college roster grows.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
As the investigation progresses in this four-part docuseries, Stephen reveals the turbulent family dynamics that shaped his childhood, including his father Ron — a violent Vietnam War vet grappling with PTSD — and his mother, Margie, who divorced Ron in the '90s.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
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As the journey progresses, a male driver and his female companion (neither pictured on-screen) begin to discuss the Winkie.—
Jonathan Odden,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripens. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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