ripen

verb

ˈrī-pən How to pronounce ripen (audio)
Definition of ripennext
as in to grow
to become mature pears ripening on the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Table grapevines are not suitable for winemaking due to their lower sugar levels at ripening. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026 There, wisteria blooms on trellises, raspberries ripen on bushes, a cold-plunge pool commands sweeping views of downtown Manhattan—and a chicken coop looms in the corner. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026 Unripe avocados should ripen on the counter, while ripe ones last longer in the refrigerator. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026 Heat, however, according to Alder, does speed up ripening so that an avocado on a warm kitchen counter will ripen more quickly than one placed on a cool garage floor. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ripen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripen
  1. grow
  2. progress
Verb
  • Now some of the nation’s most prestigious health systems are jumping into the growing business of longevity.
    — Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The actor was in and out of colleges but studied acting and grew fond of Shakespeare, according to People.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • And indeed, no patients with undetectable ctDNA before endocrine therapy progressed.
    — Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The show has also progressed from a solely in-person experience to one with main-stage panels that are streamed live for fans around the world via YouTube — a move born out of the COVID-19 pandemic-era virtual cons that has stuck.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of progress

Browse Nearby Words

ripe
ripen
ripened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripen. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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