as in provokes
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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Recent Examples of ferments
In Olivia’s storage basement, Thomas ferments food scraps for use in future dishes.
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Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Sauerkraut is made of a combination of cabbage and salt, while kimchi ferments vegetables such as cabbage and radishes with a mix of seasonings.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 Dec. 2025
Schnebly Redland’s Winery A winery and brewery that ferments tropical fruits.
—Nora Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Richards ferments half of his Chenin in stainless steel and the other half in neutral oak barrels to keep the style fresh and fruit driven, which is why wine directors such as Master Sommelier Vincent Morrow of Union Square Hospitality Group has it on his list.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferments
Verb
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The result is a film that provokes thought more than feeling, one that invites discussion, while denying audiences the emotional dimension that might have driven home its relevance.—
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But when her latest husband, discord spirit Raksh, provokes the council’s wrath, Amina must clean up his blunder, contend with Marjana’s demands for the truth…and figure out who on her crew is plotting a mutiny.—
Verb
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The Kaizen Approach is a Japanese philosophy that promotes incremental change in organizations at every level.—
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The National Endowment for Democracy, which promotes freedom across Latin America including in Cuba, has named Eddy Acevedo, a longtime expert in Western Hemisphere politics, as its vice president for policy and government relations.—
Verb
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That extraordinary footage, along with video shot by bystanders and a 3D model created by CNN of the confrontation, shows Good and her wife challenging ICE officers – but also raises new questions about Ross’s tactics and decision to use deadly force.—
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In a statement, Stanford student and Drop the Charges organizer Mark Allen Cu said the case raises broader questions about free speech and dissent on campus.—
Cite this Entry
“Ferments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferments. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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