putrefying 1 of 2

adjective

as in rotting

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putrefying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of putrefy
as in decomposing
to go through decomposition we traced the bad smell to a dead skunk putrefying under the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 putrefying
Verb
Because lose-lose situations are so endemic to the genre, a hint of relief can sometimes accompany the prospect of surrender to the putrefying mob. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrefying
  1. putrescent
  2. decomposing
  3. decaying
  4. rotting
  5. moldy
  6. disintegrating
  7. corroded
Adjective
  • This putrescent combination of sky-high home prices, rising mortgage rates and stifling consumer inflation have forced all but the wealthiest or most determined buyers out of a new home.
    — Q.ai - Powering a Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022
Definition of putrescent
Verb
  • Other microbes recycle nutrients by decomposing dead plants and animals, fix atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, and form essential partnerships with roots, insects, and other organisms.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Many unanswered questions remain after 56 decomposing bodies were found inside a Chicago funeral home last week.
    — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of decomposing
Adjective
  • The district also could be in for other major changes in the coming years, including the opening of a few new schools to replace multiple decaying, underenrolled schools.
    — Scott Travis, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Definition of decaying
Verb
  • The Lineage warehouse fire, which erupted a mile away nearly two months ago, still blankets the church every morning with the fetid stench of millions of pounds of rotting food that have yet to be trucked away.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The smell of rotting food follows Juan Canil like a second shadow.
    — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotting
Adjective
  • Sailors reportedly face moldy conditions, food shortages, and lack basic necessities, raising mental health concerns.
    — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, health inspectors cited four eateries for violations including moldy bell peppers and rodent droppings.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of moldy
Verb
  • Teams must build enough psychological trust to disagree without disintegrating.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Others rot in the California sun, disintegrating into bony fragments.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of disintegrating
Adjective
  • There could be a leak, clogged or corroded pipes, or a problem with your home’s water pressure.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on how to clean corroded battery terminals.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of corroded

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Cite this Entry

“Putrefying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putrefying. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on putrefying

Nglish: Translation of putrefying for Spanish Speakers

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