Synonyms for

Rotting

Verb / ˈrɑ:tɪŋ / Another word for rotting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Rotting means to decay or decompose, usually due to the effects of bacteria or fungi.

Synonyms & similar words

putrefaction moulder waste rot decomposition molder decompose decaying spoiling putrefying decomposing disintegrating corrupting perishing festering moldering degrading deteriorating

Synonyms by register

Formal

decomposing putrefying decaying

Informal

going bad spoiling falling apart

Literary

withering festering

Antonyms

fresh new growing living preserved sound firm

Common collocations

  • rotting wood
  • rotting flesh
  • rotting away
  • rotting garbage
  • rotting fruit
  • rotting teeth
  • rotting corpse

Word family

noun rot
verb rot
adjective rotten

Usage note

Primarily used to describe organic matter breaking down. 'Rotten' is the more common adjective form.

Example sentences

  1. The banana was rotting in the fruit bowl.
  2. The dead fish was rotting on the riverbank.
  3. The fallen leaves were rotting on the ground.
  4. The old wood was rotting in the shed.
  5. The garbage was rotting in the trash can.

Quotes

  • The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools. -Henry Beston
  • The world is rotting. We are its bacteria. -Charles Manson
  • The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death. -Oscar Wilde

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