Synonyms of putrid

putrid

adjective

ˈpyü-trəd 

as in rotten

having undergone organic breakdown

the putrid remains of a dead raccoon on the side of the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rotten
• spoiled
• decomposed
• decayed
• rotting
• corrupted
• bad
• putrefied
• polluted
• addled
• rancid
• sour
• contaminated
• soured
• fermented
• tainted
• turned
• putrescent
• impure
• decaying
• curdled
• decomposing
• degenerated
• defiled
• moldy
• fouled
• deteriorated
• corroded
• rank
• off
• crumbled
• sourish
• disintegrated
• mildewy
• putrefying
• gangrenous
• disintegrating
• moldering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fresh
• sweet
• good
• undecomposed
• preserved
• untouched
• pristine
• uncontaminated
• unspoiled
• unpolluted
• untainted
• undefiled

Synonym Chooser

How is the word putrid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of putrid are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, and stinking. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

How are the words fusty and musty related as synonyms of putrid?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic

the musty odor of a damp cellar

When would malodorous be a good substitute for putrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to putrid, malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

When is noisome a more appropriate choice than putrid?

The synonyms noisome and putrid are sometimes interchangeable, but noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

When is it sensible to use rank instead of putrid?

The words rank and putrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

How do stinking and fetid relate to one another, in the sense of putrid?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells

the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of putrid

Residents explained that support offered by the company was little to no use amid heavy smoke and ash during the fire emergency, and strong putrid odors of rotting food that were only strengthened by rising temperatures. — City News Service, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

But with temperatures spiking, the crisis over smoke from the fire has given way to a second crisis over putrid smells, insects, rodents and growing concerns over sanitation. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Sitting at a perfectly putrid 37-52, the Giants played what might have been their best game of the year, boat-racing the Blue Jays 10-1. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Maria put on a mask against the putrid smell and lay down on the ground. — Philip Wang, Time, 29 June 2026