RUST Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

rust

verb

Definition of rust

as in to rot

to form rust The old car was left to rust in the yard of the abandoned house.

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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 rust Contractors will complicate Route 9 traffic for two and a half years to save a rusting swing bridge that’s used solely by freight trains — and only about twice a week, critics said. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 The dramatic reappearance of the rusting wrecks has become one of the most striking visual reminders of both Europe’s wartime history and the severe drought currently gripping much of the continent. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Today, the city’s Ferris wheel and bumper cars sit rusting untouched, the surrounding apartment blocks standing hollowed out by looters and the natural decay of time passed while trees push through the pavement where playgrounds once stood. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 Dax Poprawski, whose relatives work in the business, was sorry to see that the track had been reduced to a skeleton of itself, with rusting, exposed steel beams and weeds growing around it. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rust

Verb

This helps the roots start growing but doesn’t make the bulbs damp enough to rot.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
If the wood that’s exposed after the bark sheds is rotting or infested with pests, the tree may not be in good health.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of rot

Verb

The project aims to clear sediment and decaying matter from the bottom of the lake, improve water quality and habitat conditions, reduce erosion and add recreational features and native plants, said city officials.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
After 36 years in service, the historic observatory is also suffering from a decaying orbit made worse by intense solar activity.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of decay

Verb

The study hypothesized that the sickle was added before the body fully decomposed since no joints were detached or displaced, as archaeologists would expect if a grave were to be disturbed after the body became a skeleton.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Agents plan and reason, decompose goals into steps, call external tools and iterate without being prompted at each turn.

— Hemant Kashyap, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of decompose

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rushing

rust

rusted

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“Rust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rust. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rust

verb

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