as in to grow
to become mature
pears ripening on the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ripen
His Fieramonte Amarone Classico Riserva DOCG hails from a 1,361-foot-high vineyard, which benefits from optimal morning sun, constant air circulation, and pronounced day-to-night temperature variation during the ripening season.
—
Mike Desimone,
Robb Report,
28 June 2026
Temperatures below that range can damage the fruit and interfere with the ripening process.
—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The wider the space between the stripes, the more likely the watermelon has had enough time to ripen and develop a juicy flavor.
—
Verywell Health,
25 June 2026
Some olive varieties are commonly sold green, including Castelvetrano, Picholine, Lucques, and Gordal olives, while Kalamata, Niçoise, and Gaeta olives are typically sold fully ripened.
—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Mike Desimone,
Robb Report,
28 June 2026
Temperatures below that range can damage the fruit and interfere with the ripening process.
—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The wider the space between the stripes, the more likely the watermelon has had enough time to ripen and develop a juicy flavor.
—
Verywell Health,
25 June 2026
Some olive varieties are commonly sold green, including Castelvetrano, Picholine, Lucques, and Gordal olives, while Kalamata, Niçoise, and Gaeta olives are typically sold fully ripened.
—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
Verb
-
The utility attributed the higher costs to broader market dynamics, including more expensive wholesale electricity and growing demand from large users such as manufacturers and data centers across PJM’s 13-state grid.
-
The spectacle gave rise to self-starters like Ai who sought to cash in on the growing hype.
Verb
-
As the evening progressed, however, the noise died down, and the makeshift set at the base of the Statue of Liberty sprung into action, securing a performance without distractions.
-
Lack of magnesium can cause older leaves to yellow and progress to younger leaves, as well as interveinal chlorosis.
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
