rot 1 of 2

Definition of rotnext

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

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
Any wood will do; however, cedar, black locust, and white oak are the most rot-resistant. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026 Still, the rot always starts at the edges and previously tame public corporate debt spreads have leaked wider. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
When Corms Don't Sprout If your corms haven’t sprouted after two weeks, there could be several reasons for this, such as rotting due to overwatering, insufficient warmth and humidity, or the corms being too dry. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026 After the New Yorker and the New York Times broke the story of Weinstein’s abusive behavior in 2017, some online commentators pointed to the 2003 Oscars, in which Miramax and Polanski were the toast of the town, as a sign of Hollywood’s rot. Brent Lang, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the garbage that RFK spewed during his time as a private sector anti-vaccine crusader and is now trying to make government policy has had vaccine skepticism growing nationwide, with deadly consequences.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
  • And loading large garbage bags into Gary's truck.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.
    Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • If conditions continue to deteriorate, Polis could declare a drought emergency and seek federal disaster assistance.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • In the crashes reviewed, the system did not detect common roadway conditions that impaired camera visibility or provide alerts when camera performance had deteriorated until immediately before the crash occurred.
    Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In theory, beryllium-8 normally decays into two helium-4 nuclei.
    Big Think, Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But the one proposed in Hartford comes between a bailout and the current reality of decaying infrastructure.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts can help keep levels stable.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Macadamia trees aren’t dangerous themselves, but the nuts are toxic.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Flores said the community continues to struggle with a range of problems, including poor air quality, high poverty rates, weak worker protections and crumbling infrastructure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
  • However, as the show begins, the family’s pristine facade is just on the verge of crumbling.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the weeks that followed the cyclone, more than 20 decomposing bodies washed ashore in Italy and Libya while other human remains were spotted floating in the middle of the sea.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Detectives said the victim’s body had already begun decomposing.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If he ever gets stressed or frustrated in dealing with all this nonsense, that footage is never shown.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026
  • This is not on DeRosa, but that is nonsense.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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