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
Check for signs of rot or bruising when selecting a lemon to harvest its seeds. Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026 There’s visible rot or damage around the frame. Brittany Nims, USA Today, 30 Mar. 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
  • Knowing what not to put down a garbage disposable can help preserve your appliance and your peace of mind.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The lack of fuel has worsened the country’s other longtime problems, from pumping water, picking up garbage to producing food, among others.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The system begins by preprocessing battery data using a technique called complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
  • In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Despite his professional success, his home life deteriorates, particularly his relationship with his daughter.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit says the hospital did not tell his family that Hylton’s condition had deteriorated and that he had been transferred to the ICU without a doctor on-site.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All of this will be powered by a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) that converts the heat of decaying plutonium into electricity; this is commonly used on deep-space missions.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Remove decaying leaves from containers and empty out the saucers after watering.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Plain oats are nutritious on their own, but adding seeds, nuts, and fruit can provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals while increasing fiber and protein.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Chopped nuts would add nice crunch.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Other signs warned of danger from crumbling masonry overhead, though there was none of the scaffolding that might accompany such notices.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The Mavericks have been out of the playoff race for weeks in a season that started with high expectations but crumbled with Anthony Davis' continuing injury issues and eventual trade to Washington.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Drainage problems and decomposing leaves and mulch will quickly attract them.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Clements said the mistaken identification may have happened because the creature decomposed and lost its telltale shell before it was fossilized, complicating identification.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With Sporting well aware of their underdog status and Arsenal feeling fragile after successive defeats, all of this respect nonsense led to, frankly, a dog of a game that felt like anything but a Champions League quarter-final.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And thus one of the more wholesome and fun events in the White House calendar was besmirched by a man who simply cannot stop with the zero-sum partisan nonsense even when surrounded by impressionable young faces.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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