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

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
Still, the rot always starts at the edges and previously tame public corporate debt spreads have leaked wider. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026 But Yasmin has been fascinating to watch because of her willingness to embrace the rot. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
But different types of seeds have different germination and growth rates (aka ‘days to harvest’), and timing this against your area’s last frost date is your secret weapon against leggy tomato seedlings that still can’t go outside, or pea seeds rotting in cold, wet soil. Marianne Willburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026 Yet Aster diagnoses them, and everyone else, with a deadly case of social media brain rot. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Adebayo’s pursuit of history transformed a garbage-time snoozer into a highly competitive game within the game.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Late one night in Payatas, a shantytown near a garbage dump in Manila’s outskirts, Santiago knocked on the door of a funeral office.
    Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Non-archaeological methods, such as DNA sequencing and computer modeling, could help track the human footprint in environments such as humid, tropical climates of Southeast Asia, where conditions accelerate the decomposition of remains.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
  • For the best results, chop up the peels before composting to speed up their decomposition and help prevent pest issues.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Their goal was to get control over their local water supply like their neighbors, in order to upgrade deteriorating infrastructure and rein in rising water rates.
    Tara Molina, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The turtle slows, more organisms attach, and the animal’s condition deteriorates.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Chunks of decaying organic matter, and the spaces made by the creatures that feed on it, make the soil lighter and more porous.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Rusting agricultural equipment and decaying barns gave the sci-fi story an eerie texture that’s strangely suited to a movie theater in a trailer.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Better yet, grind your own from peanuts or other nuts in stores that have a grinder, or do it at home in a food processor.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Points are given for having at least three natural food sources for wildlife, things like seeds, native plants, nuts and cones, host plants for caterpillars, a layer of fallen leaves, insects, etc.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Inspired by the helter-skelter brickwork of Chiang Mai's crumbling temples, their façades feature masonry laid in intricate motifs and wooden lattices that create beautiful shadowy patterns when the sun hits.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The lack of oil has exacerbated the existing problems with Cuba’s crumbling electrical grid and led to nearly constant blackouts all over the island.
    Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The detail was that Rivas’ body was not only badly decomposed when it was found – it had been dismembered and separated into two bags before being placed in the trunk of the Tesla.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Buildup occurs when grass grows faster than the layer of thatch can decompose.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Targeting this furniture-maker for selling furniture is complete nonsense, and anyone with influence should say so.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Get out of here with that nonsense.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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