riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed : mature
ripe fruit
ripe wheat
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: of advanced years : late
a ripe old age
4
a
: suitable, appropriate
the time was ripe for the attempt
b
: fully prepared : ready
the colonies were ripe for revolution
6
: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit
a ripe figure
7
: indecent
ripe language
ripely
adverb
ripeness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of ripe in a Sentence
The apples are nearly ripe.
the clothes of the field hands were sweaty and ripe after a hard day's work
Recent Examples on the Web
Boesky had made millions on Siegal's tips, which included word that Getty Oil and Carnation Co. were ripe for takeovers.
—
CBS News, 20 May 2024
On Tuesday, much more of Wisconsin is in conditions ripe for severe weather.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ripe 
CBS News, 20 May 2024
On Tuesday, much more of Wisconsin is in conditions ripe for severe weather.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ripe
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ripe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Ripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripe. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ripe
adjective
riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed
a ripe tomato
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: ready entry 1 sense 1
ripe for action
4
: brought to just the right state
ripely
adverb
ripeness
noun
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