mold 1 of 2

noun

Definition of moldnext
as in soil
the loose surface material in which plants naturally grow mold so rich that just about anything will grow in it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mold

2 of 2

verb

as in to decompose
to go through decomposition plants molding in the abandoned garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 mold
Noun
The less obvious risk of water damage is respiratory and health issues caused by bacteria and mold after the car is flooded, and cars that have been previously damaged by water can make their way back on the market. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 Proper storage ensures that the bird seed is protected from insects and rodents and stays mold-free. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
Yeah, there’s still a full ACC schedule, and Miami isn’t on it, and Louisville comes to Atlanta in November, so there’s time for Brent Key to mold this team back into a contender. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 With nowhere else to go on short notice, a desperate Jerry casts her, and then tries to mold her into some kind of acceptable performance. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mold
  1. soil
  2. decompose
  3. dirt
  4. rot
  5. ground
  6. disintegrate
  7. sand
  8. decay
Noun
  • Introduced crawling through the Trask family’s field, her black blood spattering their rich soil like a human pesticide, Cathy personifies the series’ potent blend of dread and beauty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • During dry periods, soil-dwelling bacteria produce a compound called geosmin that deters insects such as fruit flies.
    — Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • The evolution of land plants and the development of soil go hand in hand—as these pioneering plants, trees, and animals died and their decomposing remains were recycled on land, by fungi and the first soil invertebrates, modern soils began to form.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Even poor Maggie the cat — the only living animal in Digger’s house and possibly one of the last living animals in the world — is decomposing in his arms, his sister (Sandra Hüller) says with a shudder.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of decompose
Noun
  • There was like ten minutes of just chaos, with kids throwing dirt everywhere and getting excited to get little seeds put in their hands, and then being able to bring their plant home, and take care of it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The ball fell to the dirt, allowing Harris to score and Albies to get to third for his first career postseason triple.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of dirt
Verb
  • Holly Bullard, chief strategy and development officer of the left-leaning Florida Policy Institute, says Florida’s policies have left traditional schools to rot.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But these two things at a certain time of year, because in the summer, the cottage cheese would rot, and the eggs would spoil.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of rot
Noun
  • Related Articles Researchers subsequently examined aerial photographs of the area and began conducting noninvasive magnetic and ground-penetrating radar surveys.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Weinberg wants to be able to use some of the documents in their motion to dismiss on double jeopardy grounds.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ground
Verb
  • Studying an intact oarfish is remarkably difficult because their bodies typically disintegrate into brittle segments upon death.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The white outer layer started to disintegrate before the audience’s eyes, eventually washing away to reveal a fire-red corseted bodysuit and miniskirt underneath—a pleasingly literal interpretation of the tour’s title.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of disintegrate
Noun
  • What to do nearby Naples's famously soft sand is only a block and a half away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • More than a century later, remains believed to be from the ship have continued to emerge from the sand.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • Park advocates have long argued that the existing city allocation is inadequate, leaving neighborhoods with decaying recreation centers, deteriorating swimming pools and filthy park bathrooms.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Activating young adults Volunteers spent most of the morning clearing out years of overgrowth, decaying structures and a greenhouse gone wild.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of decay

Browse Nearby Words

mokes
mold
moldable
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Cite this Entry

“Mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mold. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mold

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mold

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