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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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of ferment
Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2024
The Professional Repairing Scalp Therapy Serum Shampoo relies on white truffle to keep your scalp and hair deeply hydrated while salicylic acid and rice ferment filtrate remove product buildup and excess oil to help reset your scalp.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024
Ann Abel, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Consumed in excess and not broken down by enzymatic activity, lactose will ferment and cause digestive problems, inflammation and numerous symptoms (skin disorders, rhinitis, sinusitis, migraines, concentration problems, joint pain...).
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ferment 
Noun
Why does that era still have such a powerful hold on popular culture?
Ms. Seltzer: There’s so much ferment in the ’60s in New York.
—Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2024
The Professional Repairing Scalp Therapy Serum Shampoo relies on white truffle to keep your scalp and hair deeply hydrated while salicylic acid and rice ferment filtrate remove product buildup and excess oil to help reset your scalp.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
Twelve diners at a time perch on barstools around the open kitchen led by executive chef Mauro Siega, where chefs cook proteins over an open fire and work from a mise en place of aged, fermented and otherwise preserved ingredients.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Consumed in excess and not broken down by enzymatic activity, lactose will ferment and cause digestive problems, inflammation and numerous symptoms (skin disorders, rhinitis, sinusitis, migraines, concentration problems, joint pain...).
—Marie Bladt, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ferment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ferment
Noun
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Adding to the turmoil, Trudeau announced earlier this week his intention to step down as prime minister, further complicating Canada's position in the face of U.S. pressure.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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Shin Yul, a Myongji University professor who has followed the political turmoil, said police had lots of experience with the tactical operations that were likely being considered.Jack Kim and Ju-min Park, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Late last month, just inside the visitors’ locker room at Lumen Field, two brash, muscular, headstrong men wrapped up each other in the wake of the Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, provoking knowing smiles from witnesses conscious of their budding bromance.Michael Silver, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
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Bitcoin prices have declined this week, dropping below $93,000 earlier today after robust economic data provoked concerns that Federal Reserve officials will have to cut rates more slowly.Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Made in a dedicated white wine fermentation room, the two whites are the first releases from the new winery.Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025
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One promising approach comes from Sunflower Therapeutics, which is adapting pharmaceutical-grade fermentation systems for food production.Shayna Harris, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Already, at least one biotech startup, Matter Bio in New York City, has raised funds with the aim of repairing the human genome.Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025
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Gwendoline’s questions about the outside raise a few important reminders about the Innies.Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Social unrest will become more frequent, with mass protests and political instability becoming the norm in affected regions.Amir Husain, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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The reason the internet satellite service became so popular after the women's rights protests began in 2022 is because access to Instagram and WhatsApp was restricted due to widespread civil unrest.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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It was later broadened with press junkets with French talent promoting their work, and was further expanded two years ago with French TV screenings and a day-long confab dedicated to export.Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
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False claims promoted by President-elect Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform sought to blame the Democratic Party for the wildfires.Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ferment. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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