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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
But the rot may have spread too far. Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Jade plants are sensitive to too much humidity, and an overly humid environment increases the chances of rot. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
Economies rotted under the weight of crony capitalism or the various lies, cheats, and inefficiencies of socialism, unless temporarily sustained by external aid (Cuba) or oil (Iraq, Libya, Iran). Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026 Maggots feasting on this rotting tissue become enriched in heavy Nitrogen. Jay Kakade december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rot
Noun
  • That’s the whole point of that process of aging and using garbage bags and paint.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Raising the city’s garbage fee was another structural solution that aldermen and the mayor opted to avoid because of similar political difficulties.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On the property, there were 27 deceased dogs documented since August 1st alone, all in varying stages of decomposition.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The organic matter component of soil derives from the natural decomposition of dead plants, microorganisms, and small soil animals.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The price of gold, long understood to be the investor’s refuge against a deteriorating dollar, is sounding an alarm.
    Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
  • When those conditions are absent, performance deteriorates quickly.
    Katerin Le Folcalvez, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The decaying Avenger is one of a dozen wrecks in three very different underwater environments — the western Pacific Ocean off Saipan, Lake Huron, shared by Michigan and Ontario, and the Italian Mediterranean — investigated as part of the ambitious pilot project involving eDNA.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The place is decaying and strict, but Luna refuses to give in to its rules.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The next slide showed a mouthwatering array of meats, cheeses, crudite and nuts set for snacking on, along with bottles of Haack's champagne line, Clé Cachée, chilling behind an array of glasses.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • For instance, nuts, seeds, nut butters, and chocolate are more prone to oxidation, which can lead to rancid flavors or a gritty texture.
    Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Along with everything else, Johnson sought to erase the Murphy’s Law mentality of a team that always seemed to find ways to crumble in big moments.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • McKnight was temporarily living in a crumbling budget hotel nearby.
    Saumya Roy, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Investigators later searched the Ephrata home and storage unit of Jonathan Christ Gerlach, 34, and reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items.
    Mark Scolforo, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
  • For nearly two weeks before embarking on the cross-country road trip, the teenager lived with his parents’ decomposing bodies.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Crucially, the eggs were fittingly fluffy, none of that rubbery nonsense that plague lesser burrito slingers.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025
  • All’s Fair is girlboss nonsense.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rot. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rot

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