RANCIDITY Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

rancidity

noun

as in staleness

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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 rancidity Another common sign is rancidity, which occurs when the natural oils in the peanuts oxidize after prolonged exposure to air, light, or heat, Cutter says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026 Keep nuts, seeds, and whole-wheat flour in the freezer to avoid rancidity and extend freshness. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 The Results Sixteen of the 20 fish oil supplements either met standards across categories or met standards but couldn’t be tested for rancidity. — Sarah Garone, Health, 22 May 2026 Foods or dietary supplements rich in unsaturated fats (such as fish and fish oils) are more prone to rancidity. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancidity

Noun

Although they’re designed to dispense cereal, most also have an airtight seal to lock in the freshness and avoid staleness.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026
The pilot of Adult Swim’s President Curtis, created by Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, seems to confirm the staleness and lack of utility for the new series.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of staleness

Noun

In the weeks after, more than 85 million pounds of rotting food being kept at the cold storage facility began to rot, leaving a putrid stench lingering over the area that led to infestations of rats, flies and other rodents.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
The family lived in a company house beside a petroleum plant; Metze recalled waking as a child to the stench of kerosene.

— Benjamin Wofford, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of stench

Noun

Do a Baking Soda Soak or Wash For stubborn mustiness, Salveson recommends adding 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum with the sheets (not the dispenser) and washing on warm.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026
Along with sending any bad odors out, the fresh air is also a great way to circulate any mustiness and help clear out any lingering germs that may be in the air.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 31 May 2026

Definition of mustiness

Noun

Unfortunately, there aren't enough pine-scented fresheners in the world to get rid of the stink that comes with having your car stolen.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Disputing the very right of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, New York AG Letitia James and others to raise an antitrust stink, the Todd Blanche-run DOJ made its bottom-line POV a top line in paperwork filed Tuesday in federal court.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stink

Noun

On one side, a satanic figure named Randall Flagg who gathers his forces of badness to Las Vegas; on the other, the good guys, led by 108-year-old Mother Abigail in, of all places, Boulder.

— Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
The show premiered over Thanksgiving weekend, when people were tired and full and bored (and probably also horny), and countered our world’s unceasing badness with its world’s buoyant sweetness.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026

Definition of badness

Noun

Against a backdrop of wilting flowers that left a subtle funk in the air, designer Glenn Martens once again put forth ideas that challenged conventions of beautiful clothing.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Martin even showed off some fun footwork of his own to the vibrant beat of the song, which blends the sounds of pop, funk, samba, reggaeton, mambo and salsa.

— Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of funk

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“Rancidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancidity. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rancidity

noun

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