rot 1 of 2

1
2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the rot begins shortly after the fish are killed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rot

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rot different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rot are decay, decompose, putrefy, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

Where would decay be a reasonable alternative to rot?

The words decay and rot are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

When can decompose be used instead of rot?

The words decompose and rot can be used in similar contexts, but decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

When would putrefy be a good substitute for rot?

While in some cases nearly identical to rot, putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

In what contexts can spoil take the place of rot?

While the synonyms spoil and rot are close in meaning, spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

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 rot
Noun
Beyond the horror that a person was assassinated while debating ideas with a campus crowd, the aftermath reveals the rot that’s set in to public discourse and institutions. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 The whiplash of the internet is endless — the world’s issues nestled between brain rot and TikTok dances, a dose of disinformation amid grim news and Russian bots. Padma Balaji, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
There, surrounding apple orchards and clumps of fallen, rotting fruit furnish the film with a rather literal visual metaphor, to which Etzler returns a bit too often. Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 As that interior strife becomes more evident, the beautiful mountain village gives way to rot, decay, and of course, actual monsters. Vincent Acovino, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Just one or two nuts can cover your daily needs.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Spoon any topping and nuts in pan onto loaf.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After extinguishing the fire, officials found Robert Hill, 44, deceased with severe burns, apparent head trauma, and signs of decomposition, according to Melesa Johnson with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Authorities located a body in the front trunk of the Tesla that was in a state of decomposition, LAPD sources said.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement Our hygiene deteriorates.
    Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What has yet to be determined is whether, just like Hawking radiation means that black holes will eventually evaporate, this form of cosmic radiation will fundamentally cause our Universe’s dark energy to decay away, too.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • His body has barely decayed, and his hair and teeth are still intact.
    Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Near my hotel, a few blocks from the Torre K23, there were several dumpsters overflowing with garbage.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There's a different take on a post apocalyptic universe where the world is made of plastic and not garbage.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps most puzzling was coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense crumbling in the second half and overtime after three weeks of being arguably the league’s best defense.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The defense then crumbled in the red zone for a hat trick of first-half scores.
    Mike Kaye September 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These clippings decompose rapidly, enhancing soil quality and providing nutrients for your turf grass.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Water molecules in the electrolyte tend to decompose, and zinc deposits unevenly, forming dendrites that can cause short circuits.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Reid, who would know, says that’s nonsense.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Not to mention the Epstein files nonsense.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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