ferment 1 of 2

noun

ˈfər-ˌment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
Definition of fermentnext
as in turmoil
a disturbed or uneasy state the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the outcome of the referendum vote

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ferment

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)fər-ˈment How to pronounce ferment (audio)
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the various social and economic factors that fermented the major cultural change during the U.S. during the 1960s

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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 ferment
Noun
The key is in rolling dough by hand and giving it plenty of time to ferment. — Sheeka Sanahori, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 In conventional bioethanol production, microorganisms ferment sugars and convert them into ethanol, which can then be recovered and used as a fuel or as an ingredient in other industrial products. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
How to ferment your own tempeh at home For those who love a kitchen task, tempeh can be made at home—though be forewarned, the preparation can be long and laborious. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Jonathan Edwards Winery also continues to source fruit from Napa Valley, Sonoma, County and Lodi in California, where it is crushed and fermented. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
  1. turmoil
  2. provoke
  3. fermentation
  4. raise
  5. unrest
  6. promote
Noun
  • In the ensuing political turmoil, health workers went on strike, vaccine orders were delayed and follow-up vaccinations that usually accompany routine programs were disrupted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of turmoil
Verb
  • The same principle applies to debates about religion, economics and virtually any subject capable of provoking strong emotions.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Fortunately, the fake tip didn’t provoke any further actions from the PPD, and was reportedly flagged as spam after being picked up by its safeguards.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • Right now yeast fermentation is the standard method of producing heme (as leghemoglobin), but the sterile environment and industrial equipment necessary for manufacturing can be pricey.
    — Lila Magbilang, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Initially, Albala was approached by London imprint Quarto about creating a book on fermentation and whether claims of its health benefits are legitimate.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Verb
  • Japan has also raised concern over China's gradual escalation of its military activity around remote Japanese islands in the Pacific Ocean.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Converse’s sales hemorrhage raises fair questions about whether this is more than a cyclical decline.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of raise
Noun
  • The island, known for its luxury beach resorts, last experienced similar unrest in 1999, when the death of a popular musician in police custody sparked days of rioting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Israel and Western countries then boycotted its government, fueling months of unrest and fighting that led to the Hamas takeover of Gaza the next year.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of unrest
Verb
  • Both those historic actions happened as part of the Biden administration's focus on anti-money laundering and efforts to promote compliance with the then-emerging virtual currency industry.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • One of Mitte’s last posts on Instagram this week promoted those showings.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of promote

Browse Nearby Words

ferine
ferment
fermentation
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Cite this Entry

“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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