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
And that's because the rot appears to be spreading up the age range to the point that British first-time parents are now more likely to support axing the crown than ever before. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 This all speaks to a deeper cultural rot—a lack of vision among people who have become accustomed to a life of doing nothing besides going to the gym, reading a trendy book, listening to a podcast. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Make sure the soil does not dry out, but does not stay too moist since the corms are susceptible to rot. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Oct. 2025 Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Some nuts and seeds are higher in magnesium than others and are smart choices for those looking to boost their intake.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of saturated fat, the current guidelines encourage eating foods that are high in unsaturated fat, including nuts, avocados and olive oil, which are linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
    Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Eventually, the natural fungal spores will colonize, and decomposition will begin.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Run defense by the safety opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick also has deteriorated.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The plan has seen rapid growth in recent years as California’s insurance market has deteriorated, with companies pulling back business in the state due to rising risks from climate change, losses caused by major wildfires and other factors.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Filth Flies Little filth flies such as drain flies breed in sludge and decaying matter that can build up in drain pipes, says Oi.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
  • For the study, Ruotsalainen measured the Q values of two double-beta decaying and one beta-decaying nucleus.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Local services like garbage pickup and libraries may close in observance of the holiday as well.
    Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025
  • As those flies landed, so did Stop Sale Orders on all that food that got thrown in the garbage.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Murdaughs' facade of prosperity, love and happiness all starts to crumble after Paul crashes that boat.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Yet after three easy wins during a light nonconference schedule, the Nittany Lions crumbled.
    Travis Johnson, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mushrooms also thrive in decomposing wood mulch.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • These clippings decompose rapidly, enhancing soil quality and providing nutrients for your turf grass.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Checkmate has done lots of covert ops spy nonsense in comics throughout the years, and notable works with Batman on occasion.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The new Tron sequel steps outside of cyberspace but won’t leave the sci-fi nonsense behind.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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