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

But the true evil, the rot that created them, is something embedded in society and the dream of Rome, which, much like the American dream, could not be built without conquest and slave labor. —

Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024 And it was finished with food-safe oil to prevent rot. —

Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

With over 17 million pieces of mail and packages, some virtually unreadable due to being discarded and left to rot, these women were shipped overseas from America to sort it all out. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024 The brutally humid, sauna-like subway station platforms, the foul rotting sidewalk garbage stench that fills the air once temps hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and… sun damage in the form of hyperpigmentation. —

Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot

Noun

The best choices for you and the planet Another important omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, is found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds — with ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil providing the highest amounts, according to Harvard Medical School’s website.

Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Try sprinkling ground flaxseed or chia seeds on granola and yogurt, and snack on small quantities of nuts during the day.

Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024