GANGRENOUS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

gangrenous

adjective

as in rotting

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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 gangrenous Patients arrived with gangrenous foot wounds that harried providers elsewhere brushed off as athlete’s foot. — Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 Brian Gibson’s gangrenous bass riffs and gibbering, muffled vocals have even more gonzo energy than usual, while Chippendale mixes bombast and finesse with his customary flair. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026 Its namesake, cattleman Oliver Loving, was shot by a band of raiders during a cattle drive in 1866, and died of shock a few days later after a doctor didn’t amputate his gangrenous arm. — Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gangrenous

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

Adjective

Liberal critics, however, argued—also rightly—that the Soviet Union was a decaying, economically crippled giant by the time Reagan was inaugurated.

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
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

Adjective

There are more signs of something nefarious in the book, as the demon is more avian in appearance, has less steady facial features, carries a putrid smell and an essence that causes some people to cough.

— William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
The choice of chartreuse — a borderline putrid shade of it, no less — walked an appropriate tightrope between glamorous and grotesque.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of putrid

Adjective

Once one slice is moldy, the rest of the loaf, and potentially anything nearby, is exposed.

— Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 23 Sep. 2026
Key Takeaways Fresh ginger should feel firm, with plump knobs and taut skin, while soft or moldy pieces should be avoided.

— Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of moldy

Adjective

When looking at the car, close the windows and make sure there is no mildewy smell that could point to previous flooding damage.

— Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
The humidity in the air keeps towels from drying fully, which could lead to mildewy smells.

— Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of mildewy

Adjective

They’re formulated to smell like things rabbits detest, like blood or putrefied eggs.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026
Since some Indigenous tribes from the Arctic and subarctic are known to eat maggots from putrefied meat, the researchers considered maggots a potential factor driving those isotope spikes.

— Jay Kakade December 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025

Definition of putrefied

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“Gangrenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gangrenous. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gangrenous

adjective

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