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
This outrageously misguided spending reveals a deep rot within our foreign aid system. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Social media is both brain rot and a source of connection and information. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
Their one requirement is well-draining soil to prevent bulbs from rotting. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 In the Balsall Heath neighborhood, wind whistles through the puncture marks in one rotting heap where the rats and mice have burrowed in. Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 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
  • Incorporate it into mac and cheese for a creamy, nutty complement to Cheddar and Colby Jack, grate it on a box grater to add to pizza, or serve it alongside fruit and nuts on a charcuterie board.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Experts noted that the election took place in a deeply divided nation, where citizens were split on how best to confront surging crime and a deteriorating economy.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Israel-Turkey relations deteriorated in 2010 after Israeli naval commandos intercepted a humanitarian flotilla attempting to breach the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 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
  • Unlike a regular old garbage bag, these are leakproof and durable (and thus much harder for a squirrel to rip into, if given the chance).
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Four 20-pound bags of hamburger buns and sandwich breads got hit with Stop Sales, sending 80 pounds of bread into the garbage.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pitching staff began to crumble beneath a lack of reliable depth.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Both gentlemen were trying to win their first Green Jacket. DeChambeau crumbled while McIlroy had a rollercoaster kind of day, prevailing to win The Masters and complete the career grand slam.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot the couple at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The clippings quickly decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Just ask anyone who's watched an AI confidently spit out nonsense—or worse.
    Bob Ras, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • While Drop, clocking in at an economical 93 minutes, may sound like fun and games, there’s something deeper and more human at its core than mindless nonsense.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, 92% of workers are concerned about a potential recession, and 52% foresee burnout rates worsening this year.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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