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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 And, all of a sudden, that putrid defense was posting ratings among the league’s best. —

Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024 The big story The putrid burning smell, difficulty breathing and chest congestion - that is what Delhi resident Sheetal Sharma has been experiencing since end-October, no thanks to the toxic air enshrouding India’s National Capital Region (NCR). —

Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024 The broiling temperatures have affected a roughly 30-acre area, where putrid gases and hazardous liquids have burst through the surface of the landfill. —

Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Shots clanked off the rim like jingle bells and, for some reason, the Wolves seemed hell-bent on challenging Davis in one-on-one situations rather than seek out mismatches against the plethora of putrid defenders that flanked him. —

Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for putrid