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putrefy

Q: How is the word 'putrefy' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of putrefy are decay , decompose , rot , and spoil . While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell. // corpses putrefying on the battlefield

Q: When might 'decay' be a better fit than 'putrefy'?

In some situations, the words decay and putrefy are roughly equivalent. However, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection. // a decaying mansion

Q: When would 'decompose' be a good substitute for 'putrefy'?

Although the words decompose and putrefy have much in common, decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption. // the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

Q: How do 'rot' and 'decompose' relate to one another, in the sense of 'putrefy'?

Rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness. // fruit was left to rot in warehouses

Q: Where would 'spoil' be a reasonable alternative to 'putrefy'?

The meanings of spoil and putrefy largely overlap; however, spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods. // keep the ham from spoiling

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of putrefy

to go through decomposition

we traced the bad smell to a dead skunk putrefying under the house

Synonyms for putrefy

Words Related to putrefy

sour,
turn,
turn off
[British]

mortify

rust

Phrases Synonymous with putrefy

Near Antonyms for putrefy

cleanse,
purify

Frequently Asked Questions About putrefy

How is the word putrefy different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of putrefy are decay, decompose, rot, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

When might decay be a better fit than putrefy?

In some situations, the words decay and putrefy are roughly equivalent. However, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

When would decompose be a good substitute for putrefy?

Although the words decompose and putrefy have much in common, decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation