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
-
Every dollar goes in pre-tax, grows tax-free, and comes out tax-free if used for medical expenses.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
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When demand grows, utility companies often need to pass on costs of grid upgrades to consumers, so households end up paying more for their electricity.—
Eric Schmidt,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ranunculus and eucalyptus are available now, while sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, roses and mini marigolds will available as the season progresses.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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Company researchers concluded that Huntington’s disease progresses too slowly to notice a difference after one year.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripens. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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