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 Is a suspension cable losing its structural strength because its inner steel wires are rusting away? — Alex Krasnok, Scientific American, 25 June 2026 The folding chairs are made from sturdy steel that can get through the summer sun, the winter snow, and the spring rain without rusting. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 Is a suspension cable losing its structural strength because its inner steel wires are rusting away? — Alex Krasnok, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Is a suspension cable losing its structural strength because its inner steel wires are rusting away? — Alex Krasnok, The Conversation, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rust

Verb

In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.

— Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Applying mulch directly against plant stems traps moisture, leading to rotting and other issues.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

Definition of rot

Verb

Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Many kinds of fly larvae eat dead or decaying tissue and may sometimes end up on meat, but New World screwworm larvae need living tissue to survive and develop.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of decay

Verb

What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.

— Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Earwigs primarily feed on plants and decomposing organic matter and do not infest or damage stored food in the way some beetles, weevils, and moths might.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

Our first commercial tactile gloves failed within a week because some people's hands are sweaty enough to corrode the wiring.

— Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Affected cars have driver's side airbags with connectors that may corrode, which could cause the airbag to not deploy and increase the risk of injury or death.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rust

verb

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