ripeness

noun

Definition of ripenessnext
as in maturity

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 ripeness For example, cameras assess crop ripeness and detect infestations early, allowing pesticides to be applied only to plants that need treatment. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 Individual responses can vary based on factors like metabolism, overall diet, portion size, and even the ripeness of the fruit. — Brianna Tobritzhofer, HEALTH, 3 Sep. 2026 Both are harvested at peak ripeness, unlike many grocery store tomatoes that are picked green to extend their shelf life. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Because of this swath of wine country receives long hours of sunlight that contribute to the ripeness and the bold fruit flavors of the grapes grown here. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 The filling is made with whole cherries picked at peak ripeness, along with sugar and a hint of lemon to create a sweet-tart flavor. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026 Know the Right Color for the Variety Color is an indicator of ripeness and flavor, but the shade is important. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026 Dave Moulton of Burrell School Vineyards says pinot noir is rapidly accelerating toward ripeness. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Key Takeaways Frozen fruit is often just as nutritious as fresh and may retain more vitamins because it’s frozen at peak ripeness. — Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripeness
  1. maturity
  2. adulthood
  3. midlife
  4. middle age
  5. majority
  6. autumn
Noun
  • Huntsinger said commercial almond farming had expanded rapidly in Placer County over the past decade, with many young orchards reaching maturity.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But waiting for quantum maturity before designing for its convergence risks enterprises architecting for yesterday’s business boundaries.
    — Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of maturity
Noun
  • The study, which analyzed nearly 800,000 individuals across their lifespan, found that clinical obesity rates climbed through adulthood.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Moon, meanwhile, is struggling at school but on the precipice of adulthood; as the young woman begins to make her own decisions in life, Yue must relinquish a degree of maternal responsibility.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of adulthood
Noun
  • The overall caseload remains in midlife, though the entry point does not.
    — William Jones, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The teaser also introduces Ellis’ Alex Holland, who is encountering some of the same problems Nolan did while embarking on a new career as a cop midlife but in a leafier, more rural environment — and the same conviction.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of midlife
Noun
  • But middle age looks good on Johnson, and his commitment to the hits delivered a wave of feel-good moments throughout the quasi-beach party.
    — Darah Head, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Presbyopia — the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects — commonly develops in middle age and often leads to the need for reading glasses.
    — Angelica Stabile , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of middle age
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the majority of peaceful protesters joined a march that moved toward northwestern Paris.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The ruling party needs a majority of at least 61 seats out of 120 in the Knesset.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of majority
Noun
  • If an autumn getaway is in your future, these are the most exciting hotel openings to have top of mind.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Yes, autumn is always the season of piling tees, knits, jackets, and accessories on top of each other.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of autumn

Browse Nearby Words

ripened
ripeness
ripening
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All