FESTER Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

fester 1 of 2

verb

ˈfe-stər

Definition of fester

as in to rot

to go through decomposition a week after the battle the corpses of the fallen were still festering in the fields

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fester

2 of 2

noun

as in blister

a small, inflamed swelling of the skin pus oozed out of the fester

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fester

Verb

Six decades of Cuban history were festering under the country’s blanket of silence, giving us a collective identity crisis. — Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026 The high costs of doing business in California, festering labor issues, fierce competition and crime have hit the chain hard in Southern California. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Cantor Fitzgerald market strategist Eric Johnston remains tactically bullish but is citing some festering concerns around earnings quality and the sustainability of the AI bonanza. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 May 2026 But the explosive anger, vicious vendettas, and festering class resentments expressed so powerfully in season one remain. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fester

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fester

Verb

In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.

— Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Applying mulch directly against plant stems traps moisture, leading to rotting and other issues.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

Definition of rot

Noun

The blister-proof ballet flats feature supple leather uppers, Ortholite insoles, and an especially versatile design that rivals pairs that cost over double the price.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 30 June 2026
The skin may blister and the eyes inflame, the stomach knot up and the bowels loosen.

— Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Definition of blister

Verb

What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.

— Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Earwigs primarily feed on plants and decomposing organic matter and do not infest or damage stored food in the way some beetles, weevils, and moths might.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Definition of decompose

Noun

Cover, increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

— The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Definition of boil

Verb

In the two-thousands, after the State disintegrated, Wain and two other members, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black, formed the trio Stella, which helped define New York’s downtown alt-comedy scene.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 July 2026
That changed in April 2023 when unknowing construction workers unceremoniously removed a disintegrating Pinky from its eyrie.

— Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of disintegrate

Noun

In animals, the bacterium causes pustules and lesions, predominantly in cattle, sheep, and horses.

— Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
In fact, one of the most common triggers of rosacea, which is characterized by flushing, swelling, spider veins, papules, and pustules, is exposure to sunlight.

— Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025

Definition of pustule

Verb

Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Many kinds of fly larvae eat dead or decaying tissue and may sometimes end up on meat, but New World screwworm larvae need living tissue to survive and develop.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of decay

Noun

In addition to being predominantly white, shoes with pimples around the outside of the toes are not permitted.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Some of our favorite Prime Day deals include the viral Laneige lip mask that’s currently at its lowest price ever, collagen sheet masks that are a travel essential, pimple patches, and under-eye treatments that refresh your routine without a trip to the spa.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Definition of pimple

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fest

fester

festered

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“Fester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fester. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fester

verb

noun

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