rot 1 of 2

1
2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the rot begins shortly after the fish are killed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Social media is both brain rot and a source of connection and information. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025 Using satirical allegory, broad farce, horror and violence, the visionary Korean master has made a string of standout genre films that double as subversive takes on sociopolitical rot, from Memories of Murder to The Host, Snowpiercer to Parasite, frequently making a virtue of tonal whiplash. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
The piece was about the cycle of life—the apple would rot and eventually disintegrate. David Sheff, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025 The design is classic and functional, and it’s made from a weather-resistant and UV-resistant material that won’t rot, splinter, chip, or peel. Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • Use it to find and retrieve stray nuts or bolts in any crevice.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, kale and asparagus are also included in most low-carb diets—as are eggs, cheese, Greek yogurt and nuts like walnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts and pistachios.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The ministry said that due to the sweeping tariffs imposed by the U.S., as well as the U.S.-China trade war, the growth outlook for both the U.S. and China will deteriorate.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Israel-Turkey relations deteriorated in 2010 after Israeli naval commandos intercepted a humanitarian flotilla attempting to breach the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, when viruses were exposed to sunlight, many of them did not survive as long, decaying in under 24 hours.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The result was not only environmental catastrophe but license for unchecked consumption of cheap plastic goods that can take a few minutes to use but hundreds of years to decay.
    Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mountains of garbage are said to be visible from space and people have complained of seeing rats as big as cats in the refuse.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025
  • With the parent club, Davison has been stuck behind Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard on the backcourt depth chart, limiting him to 15 mostly garbage-time appearances this season.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pitching staff began to crumble beneath a lack of reliable depth.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Both gentlemen were trying to win their first Green Jacket. DeChambeau crumbled while McIlroy had a rollercoaster kind of day, prevailing to win The Masters and complete the career grand slam.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot the couple at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The clippings quickly decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Just ask anyone who's watched an AI confidently spit out nonsense—or worse.
    Bob Ras, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • While Drop, clocking in at an economical 93 minutes, may sound like fun and games, there’s something deeper and more human at its core than mindless nonsense.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, those with ALS often experience trouble talking, walking, and swallowing, and the symptoms worsen over time.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Rolling back rules will take time, but America’s air quality could worsen in the interim.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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