PUTRID Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'putrid' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of putrid are fetid , fusty , malodorous , musty , noisome , rank , and stinking . While all these words mean "bad-smelling," putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter. // the putrid smell of rotting fish

Q: How are the words 'fusty' and 'musty' related as synonyms of 'putrid'?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age. // a fusty attic // the musty odor of a damp cellar

Q: When would 'malodorous' be a good substitute for 'putrid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to putrid , malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive. // malodorous fertilizers

Q: When is 'noisome' a more appropriate choice than 'putrid'?

The synonyms noisome and putrid are sometimes interchangeable, but noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive. // a stagnant, noisome sewer

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rank' instead of 'putrid'?

The words rank and putrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell. // rank cigar smoke

Q: How do 'stinking' and 'fetid' relate to one another, in the sense of 'putrid'?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting. // prisoners were held in stinking cells // the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

putrid

adjective

ˈpyü-trəd

Definition of putrid next

as in rotten

having undergone organic breakdown the putrid remains of a dead raccoon on the side of the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word putrid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of putrid are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, and stinking. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

How are the words fusty and musty related as synonyms of putrid?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic

the musty odor of a damp cellar

When would malodorous be a good substitute for putrid?

While in some cases nearly identical to putrid, malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

When is noisome a more appropriate choice than putrid?

The synonyms noisome and putrid are sometimes interchangeable, but noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

When is it sensible to use rank instead of putrid?

The words rank and putrid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

How do stinking and fetid relate to one another, in the sense of putrid?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells

the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

Examples 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 putrid Most commercial rodent repellents contain capsaicin (hot pepper compound), mint or rosemary oils, or putrid egg solids. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024 For those who haven’t recognized the callous opportunism inherent to Donald Trump and his cronies, perhaps The Penguin’s putrid embodiment of those traits will nudge them closer to seeing one hideous monster in the other. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024 Residents of South America’s most populous city are complaining about both the smoke throughout the city and a putrid smell near the river. —

Gabriela Sa Pessoa and Felipe Campos Mello, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 The horror of crowds realizing that a plane flew into the World Trade Center, lower Manhattan covered in ash like putrid snow and a plane crash that at once symbolized the heroism of a group of average people and the possibility of the violence that could have been. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for putrid