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

Fast forward to this summer, when the Lineage food storage warehouse fire occurred in Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino community that then was forced to endure weeks of rat infestation and the stench of rotting food while cleanup took place.

— Linh Tat, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
Look for other signs of disease, like yellowing leaves, dead branches, fungal growth, and rot.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 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

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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rust

verb

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