as in to rot
to form rust
The old car was left to rust in the yard of the abandoned house.
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Recent Examples of rust
The tank appeared old and rusted, and was clearly marked.
—
Corey J. Murray, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
This technique works if the metals are just a bit grimy, but wood ash can also be used to remove tarnish and rust, too.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026
The underside of the bridge is rusting and deteriorating.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
These prevent the tank itself from rusting and, if the rods are corroded, chances are your tank’s walls are next.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rust
Corey J. Murray, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
This technique works if the metals are just a bit grimy, but wood ash can also be used to remove tarnish and rust, too.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026
The underside of the bridge is rusting and deteriorating.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
These prevent the tank itself from rusting and, if the rods are corroded, chances are your tank’s walls are next.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rust
Verb
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Metal stakes resist rot but can rust if not stored properly.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
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Routine gutter cleaning prevents water damage to your roof and siding, protects your foundation from pooling water, avoids mold, mildew and rot, and keeps pests like insects and rodents from nesting in the debris.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Major dental work to remove her broken and decaying teeth, concentrated nutrition, antibiotics, vaccines, a spay surgery and an introduction to such simple luxuries as an indoor bed and gentle touch have all been part of Gertie’s healing.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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Searching the room for clues, Hole spots a decaying hand arranged on the shelf with the thumb removed and the index finger pointing upwards — to the fifth floor.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After entering the home, officers found the decomposing body of an 81-year-old woman.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Over time, the soil improved by decomposing lawn clippings is more absorbent and well-drained.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Most of their efforts focused on improving the catalytic converter, made more plausible when Engelhard determined that catalytic converters wouldn’t corrode with unleaded gasoline.—
Ann E. Carlson,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
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But, as steel casings corrode and seabed activity increases, engineers are growing increasingly concerned that weapons once assumed inert are becoming sources of long-term contamination.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rust. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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