as in to grow
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
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Recent Examples of ripen
Washington also boasts some of the most dramatic day-to-night temperature swings of any wine region on the planet, offering hot, sunny days for ripening and cool nights to preserve acidity and freshness.
—
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The vintage weather was perfect and allowed for early ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Slugs can devour seedlings overnight, eat the petals off flowers, and leave ugly holes in ripening fruits and vegetables.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
However, fruit ripens when exposed to heat, so placing your hanging basket in direct sunlight may help increase your fruits’ temperature.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The vintage weather was perfect and allowed for early ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Slugs can devour seedlings overnight, eat the petals off flowers, and leave ugly holes in ripening fruits and vegetables.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
However, fruit ripens when exposed to heat, so placing your hanging basket in direct sunlight may help increase your fruits’ temperature.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
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In the decades since, PEOPLE has grown to become the iconic brand it is known as today — expanding from a newsstand-only publication to now include digital news coverage and social media coverage, as well as a new app, among other ventures.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
8 June 2025
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The industry continued to grow until 2020, when a combination of weather and economic conditions dealt setbacks to farmers and processors alike.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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These risks are exacerbated by ongoing technology gaps where businesses lack the solutions needed to progress.—
Imran Aftab,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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In 2024, the company formed roadmaps and began implementation of several initiatives to progress on 2030 goals.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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