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
-
Confidence grows when pleasure and practicality can share the room.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
As resale increasingly shifts online and retail grows more automated, Vintage Store Day is ultimately betting that shoppers still want discovery to feel personal, local and a bit unpredictable.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As the illness progresses, coughing and difficulty breathing can develop.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
-
As the condition progresses, leaves may turn yellow or translucent, develop spots that enlarge and burst, and eventually fall off when the plant is touched or moved, Abdi adds.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ripens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripens. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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