putrid

adjective

pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
Synonyms of putridnext
1
a
: being in a state of putrefaction : rotten
b
: of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction : foul
a putrid odor
2
a
: morally corrupt
b
: totally objectionable
putridity
pyü-ˈtri-də-tē How to pronounce putrid (audio)
noun
putridly
ˈpyü-trəd-lē How to pronounce putrid (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of putrid

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malodorous, stinking, fetid, noisome, putrid, rank, fusty, musty mean bad-smelling.

malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells
the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

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

Examples of putrid in a Sentence

a putrid shade of green the putrid remains of a dead raccoon on the side of the highway
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Keep those putrid flowers and tasteless box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, because this is the only acceptable sign of true love. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026 In the away end, on this putrid, sopping evening in N17, the bigger picture is steamrolled by the small. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 New England Patriots offensive lineman Will Campbell refused to speak to the media following the team’s Super Bowl LX loss to the Seattle Seahawks, while having a putrid performance. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026 Just how putrid was the New England Patriots’ offense in Super Bowl LX? —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for putrid

Word History

Etymology

Latin putridus, from putrēre to be rotten, from puter, putris rotten; akin to Latin putēre to stink — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of putrid was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

putrescine
putrid
putrifacted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Putrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putrid. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Kids Definition

putrid

adjective
pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
1
a
: being in a state of putrefaction : rotten
putrid meat
b
: characteristic of putrefaction : foul
a putrid odor
2
: morally objectionable

Medical Definition

putrid

adjective
pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
1
: being in a state of putrefaction
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction
a putrid odor

More from Merriam-Webster on putrid

Nglish: Translation of putrid for Spanish Speakers

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