rot 1 of 2

1
2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the rot begins shortly after the fish are killed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rot

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rot different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rot are decay, decompose, putrefy, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

Where would decay be a reasonable alternative to rot?

The words decay and rot are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

When can decompose be used instead of rot?

The words decompose and rot can be used in similar contexts, but decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

When would putrefy be a good substitute for rot?

While in some cases nearly identical to rot, putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

In what contexts can spoil take the place of rot?

While the synonyms spoil and rot are close in meaning, spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

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 rot
Noun
Mantle doesn’t replicate his viral-feeling imagery from the original, choosing instead to use that digi-visual template as a foundation for presenting a world trying put itself back together around the remaining patches of rot. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025 But the rot was there all along — buried beneath years of brand-building, PR campaigns, industry awards and glossy features. Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Verb
Dark areas can indicate rot — which may have contributed to the break. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 If the soil around your plants stays wet, the roots of your plants will start to rot. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Use it to find and retrieve stray nuts or bolts in any crevice.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Without that pollination, almond trees produce only 200 pounds of nuts per acre.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso on Tuesday, warning of rapidly deteriorating conditions and rising river levels that threatened homes and businesses.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • This is where matters deteriorated, as PSG faced losing the player for nothing, having committed hundreds of millions to his transfer fee, salary and bonuses over the years.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • Wasps are also scavengers, and they can often be found flying around garbage bins looking for their next meal.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Folsom 4th of July garbage schedule For those living in Folsom, trash and waste pickup will continue as scheduled, according to the city’s website.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated July 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • But Paxton's sizeable lead could crumble in light of his divorce proceedings.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, countless family businesses crumble—not for financial reasons, but because of missteps in preparation.
    Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • That's nonsense… and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • The song was essentially one long joke about animal noises, and once the joke wore off, what remained was an insanely repetitive chorus of nonsense.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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