PERISH Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

perish

verb

ˈper-ish

Definition of perish

as in to die

to stop living 12 people perished in the plane crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to disintegrate

chiefly British to go through decomposition after being left out in the summer heat, the milk perished and had to be thrown out

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 perish On the morning of September 11, 2001, 91 guests and 79 World employees would perish in the devastating terrorist attack on the twin towers. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 This summer has been a deadly one in Europe, with over 10,000 people perishing in the extreme heat over just a few weeks. — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The nation had just lost 18 of its most promising skaters, while 16 others, including family members, officials, judges and coaches – including Fleming’s own coach, Bill Kipp – all perished in the crash. — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 But Jameson is hardly the first family pet to senselessly perish at the hands of law enforcement officers who resort to deadly force far too quickly. — Vanessa Shakib, Oc Register, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perish

Verb

Carlile remembered the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who died Tuesday at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, in a social media post.

— Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Dolly Parton, the undisputed queen of country music, died on Tuesday, August 25.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of die

Verb

The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall

Verb

Van der Heijden’s team reported that the fastest decomposing underwear was buried in residential gardens.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026
Determining the causes of death was complicated by how decomposed the bodies were, the medical examiner’s office said.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

But microscopic skeletal details also revealed a decent percentage of these reptiles didn’t only succumb to the food chain.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
The researchers said this means that the current controls by AI companies are prone to being disabled by misbehaving AI and at risk of succumbing to a blitz of AI attacks.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of succumb

Verb

The project aims to clear sediment and decaying matter from the bottom of the lake, improve water quality and habitat conditions, reduce erosion and add recreational features and native plants, said city officials.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
After 36 years in service, the historic observatory is also suffering from a decaying orbit made worse by intense solar activity.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026