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 Los Angeles also struggles with an ongoing homelessness crisis — filthy encampments and rows of rusting RVs are a common sight in many neighborhoods. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 But the ship was rusted and its engine and generators faulty, Khan said. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Christmas decorations linger into summer, and grasses grow high through rusting cars. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 The crystals absorb moisture from the air thus preventing the metal from rusting and mildew from developing. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rust

Verb

This realistic artificial harvest pack will never rot and is great for accenting a dinner table or place setting, adding a festive flair to any occasion.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Don’t mound mulch up against the base of shrubs, flowers, and trees, or pests, rot, and fungus can become an issue.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of rot

Verb

One thing that decaying wood releases is carbon, which is part of the natural process that stabilizes climates in the long-term.

— Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
It will be powered by a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) reactor, which relies on heat generated by a decaying nuclear isotope, and so does not rely on solar power for energy.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of decay

Verb

Loggers found the teenagers’ decomposing bodies in the forest, one of them tied to a tree with electrical wire, prosecutors said.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Fall leaves create a natural mulch, which helps suppress weeds and improves the soil with organic matter as the leaves decompose.

— Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

Early molten salt methods failed to keep the salt bath from corroding the valuable silicon substrate.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The problem, however, is its high chloride content, which can corrode electrodes and other electrolyzer components, and also trigger unwanted reactions that produce toxic chlorine compounds.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rust

verb

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