ROT Synonyms: 217 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rot 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rot next

as in nuts

language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense I won't stand here and listen to such rot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in decomposition

the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the rot begins shortly after the fish are killed

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rot

2 of 2

verb

ˈrät

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the house slowly fell into disrepair and rotted

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as in to decay

to go through decomposition rotting vegetation on the bank of the river

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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

Examples 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

Make sure to give trunks and leader stems some breathing room of at least 2 inches to avoid any rot over the wet season. —

Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024 Recent events have forced Boot to ask if Reagan was part of the rot that has eaten away at Republicanism. —

Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Verb

The rotting corpses piling up all over the house were, ironically, one of the fresher sources of comedy in this initial batch of episodes. —

Katie Rife, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024 Morton, Illinois — one of America’s pumpkin capitals — had above-average rainfall in 2015, rotting their harvest and creating a nationwide pumpkin shortage. —

Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot

Noun

For constipation, drink fluids and gradually increase fiber intake from sources like bran, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to promote regular bowel movements.

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024
Small packages like candy and nuts often slide around and clutter your space.

Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024