Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for ferment.
Definitions

ferment

[fur-ment, fer-ment] / ˈfɜr mɛnt, fərˈmɛnt /
NOUN
substance causing chemicals to split into simpler substances
Synonyms
STRONG
bacteria bacterium barm ebullition enzyme leaven leavening mold seethe simmer yeast
WEAK
fermentation agent
Antonyms
WEAK
calm contentedness happiness peace pleasure
NOUN
agitation, uprising
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commotion disquiet excitement frenzy restlessness tumult turbulence unrest upheaval uproar
STRONG
ailment brouhaha clamor convulsion disquietude disruption disturbance fever flap furor fuss heat hubbub imbroglio outcry restiveness row rumble scene stew stink stir storm to-do turmoil upturn
WEAK
hell broke loose state of unrest
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm calmness peace stillness tranquility
STRONG
agreement frigidity harmony order quiet silence
WEAK
contentedness happiness pleasure
VERB
split into simpler substances; be agitated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fester ripen simmer
STRONG
acidify boil brew bubble churn concoct dissolve effervesce evaporate excite fizz foam foment froth heat incite inflame leaven moil overflow provoke rise rouse seethe sour sparkle work
WEAK
be violent stir up
Antonyms
STRONG
be happy calm cool dampen discourage dull freeze pacify stop tranquilize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then we let it ferment and age to make soy sauce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

When they ferment sugars, they create tiny outward flowing currents across the wet surface.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Audrey Truschke’s single-volume work makes a bold attempt to capture thousands of years of cultural ferment on the Indian subcontinent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Does the party have the means to ferment a counterculture that is agile, tech-savvy, and fashionable?

From Slate • Jun. 12, 2025

Methuselah was in a ferment of eagerness as he led his young friend over to the gatehouse.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing ferment

"My Wonder Horse," Vocabulary from the short story

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Don't Panic! Synonyms for "Stress"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!