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 Why Rust Stains Keep Appearing Despite its name, rust stains don’t necessarily mean your toilet is rusting. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 In addition to the physical manifestation — the rusting fort jutting out of the water — Sealand will stay alive online, due in large part to the very idea of its founding. — Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 12 July 2026 Boltanski’s haunting installation consists of rusting archive boxes stacked to form dark, narrow passageways. — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 Anyone caught on the receiving end of a DIY soccer cleat loaded with sharp, likely rusting metal nails probably wasn’t getting back up to finish the game. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rust

Verb

Second, and perhaps more scientific (as far as these things go) is the fact that Sunfyre had not, in any way, begun to rot.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The result will be a multi-trunk tree with weak branches growing from a rotting stump that can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of rot

Verb

Event speakers on Thursday acknowledged the roadblocks facing foreign companies in Venezuela, including decaying infrastructure, political uncertainty and the instability wrought by June’s devastating earthquake.

— Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Second, the array will track decay pathways that mirror stellar reactions, showing how heavy elements form during supernovae and neutron star collisions.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of decay

Verb

An investigation was underway at a Far South Side funeral home after more than 50 decomposing bodies were found in the facility.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
In 2023, nearly 200 decomposing bodies were found in a building in Colorado, and another 31 decomposing bodies were discovered at an Indiana funeral home.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

From that moment suspicion corrodes old loyalties, and the village’s Muslims are evacuated to a refugee camp for transport to Pakistan.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
The salt can harm fish and other wildlife, and corrode bridges and automobiles.

— Nathaniel Warner, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Definition of corrode

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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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rust

verb

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