1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

putrescent

adjective

Definition of putrescentnext
as in rotting

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 putrescent This putrescent combination of sky-high home prices, rising mortgage rates and stifling consumer inflation have forced all but the wealthiest or most determined buyers out of a new home. — Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrescent
  1. decaying
  2. moldy
  3. mildewy
  4. corroded
  5. gangrenous
Adjective
  • Liberal critics, however, argued—also rightly—that the Soviet Union was a decaying, economically crippled giant by the time Reagan was inaugurated.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The district also could be in for other major changes in the coming years, including the opening of a few new schools to replace multiple decaying, underenrolled schools.
    — Scott Travis, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Definition of decaying
Adjective
  • Key Takeaways Fresh ginger should feel firm, with plump knobs and taut skin, while soft or moldy pieces should be avoided.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2026
  • If the produce’s skin is moldy, slimy, or rotten, it should be discarded regardless of type, as mold can penetrate beyond the visible surface.
    — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of moldy
Adjective
  • The humidity in the air keeps towels from drying fully, which could lead to mildewy smells.
    — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Does that musty, mildewy smell seem to get worse on warm days?
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Definition of mildewy
Adjective
  • After 50,000 drops, the corroded patch was over a millimeter across.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Kennedy also heard reports of corroded parts being on the production line.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of corroded
Adjective
  • Patients arrived with gangrenous foot wounds that harried providers elsewhere brushed off as athlete’s foot.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • Brian Gibson’s gangrenous bass riffs and gibbering, muffled vocals have even more gonzo energy than usual, while Chippendale mixes bombast and finesse with his customary flair.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of gangrenous

Browse Nearby Words

putrescence
putrescent
putrid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Putrescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putrescent. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of the words cracker fly and sale arranged in a triangle with the word fire in the middle
Triple Play Quiz Find the word that pairs with each of the three g...
See All