rot 1 of 2

Definition of rotnext

rot

2 of 2

verb

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
To me, generative AI feels less like innovation than a symptom of a broader cultural and economic rot. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 June 2026 This can stunt growth, impede the roots' ability to absorb water, cause leaf rot, and attract pests. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Verb
Sanchez said the ceiling tiles in the jail are rotting, and there are doors that don’t lock properly. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Make sure to keep potted lavender out of winter rainy spells or the roots may rot. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Every campsite has a bear-resistant food locker, and visitors are being reminded to store food, garbage and other attractants properly.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • While the Doral incinerator used to burn about half of the county’s daily trash supply, Miami-Dade is now using trucks and trains to send its garbage to landfills across Florida.
    Douglas Hanks June 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Forensic pathologist Shaku Teas, who reviewed the autopsy report on Chiodo, testified the body was in a state of advanced decomposition by the time it was found.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
  • Composting lime peels boosts decomposition and improves soil health.
    Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Her mother, however, had been deteriorating from Parkinson’s and dementia for four years.
    Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Cutting prices now could make the situation even more dire, deteriorating already disastrous profit margins.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • At a time when the Earth was bare, when there were no vertebrates, no trees, no leaves, no flowering plants, and no plants with seeds, millipedes were feeding on decaying mosses, decomposed slime, and primordial gunk.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
  • The cancer instructs the body to build super roadways (blood vessels) and homes (tumor cells) resistant to decay.
    Charles J. Dimitroff, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Tawny Port spends years in barrel, picking up notes of caramel, nuts, and toffee along the way.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Pairing them with a meal containing some fat, even avocado toast or yogurt with nuts, makes a real difference.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • During the morning low tide, while there was still a small stretch of sand, excavators were working to pile large rip-rap boulders next to the base of the crumbling Pacifica Pier.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Cube and pan-fry firm tofu until golden, crumble into scrambles or tacos, marinate and bake, or add to curries and stir-fries.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Large die-offs can also create environmental and public health concerns, as fish begin to decompose in shallow waters and along shorelines.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
  • Typically, the district allows dead fish to decompose in the lake, but because the smell was so substantial, contractors removed many of the dead fish ahead of the weekend, with a focus on public spaces, Belden said.
    Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The only way real barriers to non-factory service could be required to work on a ladder-frame gas-engine truck would be if the automaker intentionally loaded it with proprietary nonsense.
    Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 11 June 2026
  • Yet more arrant nonsense, coming from someone who has repeatedly been cited for spreading vaccine misinformation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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