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

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 putrid The Wolves scored just 88 points to open the Western Conference semifinals, just 31 in a putrid first-half showing. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025 The result is a gaping ulcer writhing with maggots, which attracts yet more adult female screwworms that can lay hundreds more eggs, deepening the putrid, festering lesion. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025 The loss stung — and a putrid power play had Bedard slamming his stick on the ice after a couple of Colorado clears — but the mood remains upbeat with the youth infusion. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the Grizzlies struggled with a team 34.4% shooting percentage, including a putrid 6-of-34 from 3-point territory. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for putrid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrid
rotten
Adjective
  • However, compost can start to smell like rotten eggs, ammonia, or worse if the composting process goes awry or the compost pile has become imbalanced in some way.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
  • There are two types of repellents: Taste, which often contains capsaicin and requires the animal to take a nibble; and odor, which is sulfur-based and smells like rotten eggs.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Putrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putrid. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on putrid

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