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

However, beneath the makeup, amiable veneer and his seemingly normal brickfront home lurked unbelievable darkness — and a putrid odor that ultimately did him in. —Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

Cheryl Reeve is right about this — the quality of officiating in the WNBA is putrid. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025

Against a quarterback in Russell Wilson that was on the hot seat entering week two after a putrid showing to open the season a week prior, the 10-time Pro Bowler delivered 450 yards through the air, the second-most in his illustrious Hall of Fame-caliber career. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025

Miami’s play was so decisively putrid that the 33-8 loss to the Colts seemed almost a blessing because the game felt so much more lopsided than that. —Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025