as in grows
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripens
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
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
-
And the bipartisan Washington consensus eschews reforms in favor of praying that the economy magically grows its way out of this fiscal disaster.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Lavender grows in thick, fragrant patches along the tour route and is infused into soaps sold at the on-site store.—
Martine Thompson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Gear improves, the training that goes into us as climbers progresses.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The first team with 10 tracks placed correctly on their timeline progresses to a prize money final.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripens. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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