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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

When asked if the decision could be interpreted as Disney distancing itself from diversity initiatives in anticipation of a second Trump administration, the company declined to comment. AND FINALLY … Video Ad Feedback Do ‘brain rot’ videos really rot our brains? —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024 Loosen the roots and inspect them for rot or other damage. —

Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

From the pianoforte to the smartphone, each wave of tech has sparked fears of brain rot. —

Erin Neil, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025 If the soil is moist, the plant may be wilted because the soil is too wet and the roots are rotting. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot

Noun

The property also grows its own herbs, greens, nuts, berries, and edible flowers.

— Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Focus on whole foods like fruits, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

— Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025