Synonyms of putrid

putrid

adjective

ˈpyü-trəd 

as in rotten

having undergone organic breakdown

the putrid remains of a dead raccoon on the side of the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rotten
• spoiled
• decomposed
• decayed
• rotting
• corrupted
• bad
• putrefied
• polluted
• addled
• rancid
• sour
• contaminated
• soured
• fermented
• tainted
• turned
• putrescent
• impure
• decaying
• curdled
• decomposing
• degenerated
• defiled
• moldy
• fouled
• deteriorated
• corroded
• rank
• off
• crumbled
• sourish
• disintegrated
• mildewy
• putrefying
• gangrenous
• disintegrating
• moldering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fresh
• sweet
• good
• undecomposed
• preserved
• untouched
• pristine
• uncontaminated
• unspoiled
• unpolluted
• untainted
• undefiled

Synonym Chooser

How is the word putrid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of putrid are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, and stinking. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

How are the words fusty and musty related as synonyms of putrid?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic

the musty odor of a damp cellar

When would malodorous be a good substitute for putrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to putrid, malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

When is noisome a more appropriate choice than putrid?

The synonyms noisome and putrid are sometimes interchangeable, but noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

When is it sensible to use rank instead of putrid?

The words rank and putrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

How do stinking and fetid relate to one another, in the sense of putrid?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells

the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of putrid

Heading into next week, the McDaniel Dolphins have 46 in 41 games for a putrid 1.12 per game. —Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2024

Former All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles feels for Saleh, who had to take over and watch putrid quarterback play for the large bulk of his tenure there, including Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and others. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 9 Oct. 2024

Takeaways: After a putrid start for the offense, the second half of the day was much, much better. —Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 21 Aug. 2024

Instead, Brundle slowly morphs into a housefly with some pretty putrid habits and a tendency to randomly lose body parts. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024