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

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
The detective has no illusions about the rot, misogyny and rancid behavior simmering within the police force. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 June 2026 Under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, South Africa finished third at AFCON 2023 before topping Nigeria in World Cup qualifying to stop the rot of absences and stamp its ticket to the US, Mexico and Canada. Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
Each rocker is made from all-weather high- density polyethylene (HDPE) that withstands rain, snow, and wind and resists fading, cracking, and rot. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 The fire may be out, but Boyle Heights is now dealing with massive amounts of rotting meat and a foul smell as the cleanup phase from a weeklong fire at a massive cold-storage warehouse begins. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Decomposing food can release hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas synonymous with landfills and garbage.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Epidemics, worsened by the unsanitary conditions caused by the mountains of garbage the government has stopped collecting, combine with the shortage of medicines and the dire state of medical facilities.
    Sarah Moreno July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Frequent mowing keeps clippings small, preventing smothering and speeds up decomposition for reuse.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 21 June 2026
  • As with all animals, when a whale dies, bacteria begin the process of decomposition.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • England reached stumps on 103-4 after 15 overs, still needing 270 runs in its seemingly forlorn chase of 373 to win on a deteriorating pitch and heading for a first defeat in a home series of three or more tests since 2012.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
  • Intensifying wildfires across eastern Utah and western Colorado are sending thick smoke into portions of the state, creating hazy skies and deteriorating air quality for many mountain and western Colorado communities.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Phorid flies lay their eggs in decaying organic matter and thrive in places where moisture is present.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026
  • 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, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Her lab has found even modest additions to the diet — a handful of nuts or an avocado — can enrich certain beneficial bacteria over the course of a few weeks.
    Will Stone, NPR, 22 June 2026
  • Including foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, or seeds can make your meal more satisfying and may also stimulate digestion.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Survivors say that doors to the facility were locked and that migrants were left to die inside crumbling walls.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Every project should be decomposed into tasks, with explicit categorization of which are human, AI or hybrid.
    Manu Khetan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The owners of Davis Mortuary in Pueblo have been arrested, accused in connection with the investigation that was sparked by last year's discovery of decomposing bodies behind a barricaded door at the mortuary.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Even Hauser can’t rescue this culturally insensitive, stereotype-perpetuating nonsense.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Some beer companies even make canned versions of the drink, but forget that nonsense — there is nothing better than a fresh, handmade michelada.
    Richard Guzman, Daily News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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