as in flowering
the process of becoming mature
the ripening of a pumpkin can take a whole season
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in growing
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ripening
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
Certain Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Enzymes in fruits and vegetables promote chemical reactions, such as ripening.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Keep them away from any fruits and vegetables that naturally emit ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening of anything in their orbit.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
Dragon fruit does not continue ripening once it is picked.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
Verb
The 2021 growing season was cooler than average with maturation and ripening less harried than usual.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
Certain Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Enzymes in fruits and vegetables promote chemical reactions, such as ripening.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Keep them away from any fruits and vegetables that naturally emit ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening of anything in their orbit.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
Dragon fruit does not continue ripening once it is picked.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripening
Noun
-
Leaves are the engines that make energy for flowering and fruiting.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
-
Pruning those floppy stems back to the lower set of leaves around the base of the plant after the initial flowering period should prompt yarrow to produce stronger regrowth.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Half of your time removing the snow can be spent fighting with the exponentially growing clump of snow on the shovel.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
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There’s nothing quite as rewarding in gardening as growing a plant from seed.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This is one of the oldest whiskeys in the series to date, following the summer 2023 release (four years old) and the summer 2024 release (five years old), and that additional year has really made this bourbon hit the sweet spot of maturation.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
26 June 2025
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This is the same political culture that perforated Hogg’s own political maturation — one where the stringent structures of establishment politics’ demands of loyalty ring hollow and moral idealism is a necessity.—
Maximo Bratter,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that West Ham were progressing in their talks with Potter, with the club later confirming the departure of Julen Lopetegui after six months in charge.—
Stuart James,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
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This program, which began in 2022, is designed to rectify historic problems with IDR plans that prevented many borrowers from progressing toward 20- or 25-year loan forgiveness.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Consider requesting professional development budgets for AI training, conference attendance or certification programs.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Advertisement The Crown Prince has been masterful at protecting Saudi Arabia’s development.—
Karen Elliott House,
Time,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The explosive growth is particularly notable, given Norway’s decision not to impose tariffs on Chinese EV imports — as well as its reputation as the world’s most EV-friendly country.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
When managed constructively, conflict can become a mechanism for growth, understanding and secure attachment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Emergent theories of evolution, questions of science and mysticism, and an illuminating romance are at the heart of Gilbert’s sprawling historical tale, one of her more underappreciated works of fiction.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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The evolution and strength of these storms, however, depend on what happens with the storms overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning, according to the weather service.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ripening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripening. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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