as in grows
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripens
This variety is heat-tolerant and typically ripens later in summer, from July to August, says McCabe.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 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
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 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
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Fittingly, the brand builds most of its formulas around cica sourced from Madagascar, where the plant grows with exceptional purity, thanks to the island’s relatively untouched environment.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
21 Mar. 2026
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The point was to reduce the horrible pelvic pain caused by her endometriosis (a condition in which estrogen-reliant endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For higher earners, however, the 25% cap often applies, meaning a substantial portion of your take-home pay could be withheld if the debt collection process progresses to this stage.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
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While warm day snow can get tougher as the day progresses, starting out with your gear ready for what the local pros suspect will be out there gives you a better crack at a fantastic day.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripens. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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