ripe

riper; ripest

When a fruit is ripe, it is time to pick it and eat it. If you say the time is ripe, then now is the time for action. Ripe means ready.

Ripe can also describe something that is not only ready to happen but well-suited for whatever is happening. A company can expect profits if the market is ripe for its product. When a ballpark has a short field, batters will say that the field is ripe for home runs. When things are ripe, it's a good thing — the time for action is now.

Definitions of ripe
  1. adjective
    fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
    “ripe peaches”
    synonyms: mature
    aged, ripened
    of wines, fruit, cheeses; having reached a desired or final condition; (`aged' pronounced as one syllable)
    mellow, mellowed
    having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging
    overripe
    too ripe and beginning to turn soft
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    green, immature, unripe, unripened
    not fully developed or mature; not ripe
    unaged
    not subjected to an aging process
    show more antonyms...
  2. adjective
    far along in time
    “a ripe old age”
    “the ripe age of 90”
    synonyms: advanced
    late
    being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  3. adjective
    most suitable or right for a particular purpose
    “the time is ripe for great sociological changes”
    synonyms: good, right
    opportune
    suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
  4. adjective
    fully prepared or eager
    “the colonists were ripe for revolution”
    Synonyms:
    ready
    completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
  5. adjective
    at the highest point of development especially in judgment or knowledge
    “a ripe mind”
    Synonyms:
    mature
    characteristic of maturity
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ripe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing ripe

Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

On the ACT Reading Test, you'll encounter questions that ask you to determine the meanings of common words in context. We've identified 170 high-frequency, multiple-meaning words of the sort that you'll see on the exam. As you practice this list, you'll have to rely on context clues in order to determine each word’s meaning in a particular sentence. Be careful! Several of a word's meanings might show up as answer choices — but only one answer will capture the meaning of the word in the context of the sentence.

Unit 11

For a better understanding of the words you learned on Rosetta Stone Foundations, simply start a practice session! You’ll learn additional meanings and different contexts that will help you become a stronger reader and writer.

Selection Vocabulary 5, Unit 6

This list covers "The Four Foods," "Gaman," and "Demeter's Prayer to Hades."

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