ferment

11 synonyms for ferment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

turn work

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

sour yeast fermentation agitation unrest

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

zymosis zymolysis tempestuousness fermenting

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid.

“The grape juice was left to ferment in oak barrels for a year.”

turn sour yeast work

2. noun

A state of excitement, agitation, or unrest.

“The country was in a ferment of political change.”

zymosis fermentation zymolysis tempestuousness agitation unrest fermenting

How to use ferment

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

left to ferment a ferment of ideas ferment discontent

Etymology

From Latin fermentum, "substance that causes fermenting," related to fervere, "to boil" — the same root behind fervent.

Full origin of ferment →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ferment” mean?

The word “ferment” means to undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid. In plain terms, the chemical process where yeast or bacteria break down sugars — used literally for brewing/food, and figuratively for stirred-up unrest.

How do you pronounce “ferment”?

“Ferment” is pronounced fuh-MEHNT (/fɚˈmɛnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ferment” in a sentence?

Here is “ferment” used in a sentence: “The grape juice was left to ferment in oak barrels for a year.”

What is another word for “ferment”?

Words with a similar meaning to “ferment” include yeast.

What part of speech is “ferment”?

Depending on how it is used, “ferment” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “ferment” come from?

The word “ferment” comes from Latin. From Latin fermentum, "substance that causes fermenting," related to fervere, "to boil" — the same root behind fervent.

How many meanings does “ferment” have?

“Ferment” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to undergo a chemical change caused by yeast or bacteria, often turning sugars into alcohol or acid.

People also searched

work turn sour yeast unrest fermentation agitation tempestuousness zymolysis zymosis

Nearby words

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