as in to rot
to go through decomposition
a week after the battle the corpses of the fallen were still festering in the fields
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Recent Examples of fester
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025
The result is a gaping ulcer writhing with maggots, which attracts yet more adult female screwworms that can lay hundreds more eggs, deepening the putrid, festering lesion.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
An argument festered over whether there had been help from America.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
The house festering in ways only the rich and crazy can allow.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fester
Verb
By removing carrion from the environment, vultures contribute to nutrient recycling and keep contaminants from festering in soil and water.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025
The result is a gaping ulcer writhing with maggots, which attracts yet more adult female screwworms that can lay hundreds more eggs, deepening the putrid, festering lesion.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
An argument festered over whether there had been help from America.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
The house festering in ways only the rich and crazy can allow.
—Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fester
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fester
Verb
-
Food waste after a party or outdoor snacking session can begin to rot and smell, which won’t be pleasant for you or your neighbors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
-
This vertical trellis reduces the likelihood of rotting, keeps produce away from certain garden pests, and can even increase sun exposure.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Some key features include: high arches, supportive heel cups for improved balance, gel insoles that contour to each unique foot shape, and cushiony posts that don’t create blisters between the toes.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
-
One reviewer with the latter confirmed that even after miles of walking, the shoes don’t rub or cause any blisters.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
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The decomposing roots serve as the host for the mushrooms to grow.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
The metamorphic rock from which Atlanta’s soil is derived also contributes to its alkalinity as does the constantly decomposing organic matter, consisting mostly of leaves, on the soil surface.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Gradually stir in milk or cream until simmering mixture boils and thickens.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
4 July 2025
-
Guests will get a seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, sausage, and more, along with family-style sides and special desserts.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Organic materials like wood, leather, and fabric — which often remain remarkably preserved in the cold, low-oxygen depths — can begin to warp, crumble or disintegrate as dormant bacteria and fungi reactivate.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
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Researchers think the deceased was buried in a wooden coffin that has long since disintegrated.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Folliculitis refers to the bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle that can lead to redness or pustules centered around the hair follicle.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
-
Later in the growing season, rust pustules on the underside of the leaf can be orange and black.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
Verb
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However, when viruses were exposed to sunlight, many of them did not survive as long, decaying in under 24 hours.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
13 Mar. 2025
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The result was not only environmental catastrophe but license for unchecked consumption of cheap plastic goods that can take a few minutes to use but hundreds of years to decay.—
Scott W. Stern,
The Atlantic,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The medications may bring previously unseen pimples to the surface of your skin.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
9 June 2025
-
The star ingredient, lady’s mantle, is packed with antioxidants to help calm inflammation (a major plus for breakouts and pimples), while ceramides work to repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fester. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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