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
Just remove the moldy ones and check the surrounding berries for rot. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026 American viewers who are accustomed to MAGA-style trolling might expect the Lego videos to be driven by a certain clickbait nihilism—brain rot, Tehran-style. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Routine gutter cleaning prevents water damage to your roof and siding, protects your foundation from pooling water, avoids mold, mildew and rot, and keeps pests like insects and rodents from nesting in the debris. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 Allowing some airflow and drainage now is important to prevent crown rot. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • For example, the EV mandate would be imposed on a company like Waste Management which pays the local government a franchise fee for the exclusive right to provide garbage collection services to all the residents.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
  • But the temporary solution for many buildings is asking residents to fill in as volunteer cleaners, garbage schleppers, and greeters.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Sources said that due to the advanced state of decomposition, the deceased died some time ago.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The article notes that enforcement of existing protections has deteriorated considerably since their adoption, suggesting that the challenge extends beyond creating rules to ensuring sustained institutional commitment to their implementation and oversight.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Originally staged at Avignon in 2025, the play follows a father and daughter whose bond is tested across the vastness of space as one of them starts a new life on Mars while Earth deteriorates.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nobody needs Beijing to fabricate footage of American potholes, ER bills, or decaying Amtrak cars.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The spacecraft runs on a radioisotope thermoelectric generator — a device that converts heat from decaying plutonium into electricity.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • According to registered dietitians, a mix of nuts, especially pistachios, and dried tart cherries is the healthiest late-night snack.
    Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Many whole foods are naturally gluten-free, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Then, in extra innings, Elly De La Cruz caused the Twins to crumble on defense and the Reds fired up the jet to Tampa with a series sweep.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Tourists were flocking in as a new class of Cuban entrepreneurs renovated crumbling buildings into restaurants, art galleries and hotels.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The body was so badly decomposed that the deceased’s gender could not be determined, said police.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • D4vd’s parents are coming to his defense after the platinum-selling singer was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl found dismembered and decomposing in the trunk of his Tesla seven months ago.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This is why all the whining and complaining from small market teams across the sport is manipulative nonsense.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Or from whatever this risibly self-serious metaphysical nonsense about performance and possession, creation and exorcism, aims to be.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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