decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsē-dᵊnt 
law
: a person who is no longer living : a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Examples of decedent in a Sentence
a tax on the estate of the decedent
Recent Examples on the Web
Interestingly, the remains of the decedent were also cremated.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Also note that some countries (like the U.S.) have estate taxes, which apply to the decedent’s estate, while others have inheritance taxes, imposed on beneficiaries.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
So far, more than 200 decedents have been included in NamUs and 20 cases have been resolved, with Gonzalez’s case being one of them.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 13 June 2025
As such, full disclosure of the value of the decedent’s worldwide asset value is generally the safest course.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decedent
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Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Also note that some countries (like the U.S.) have estate taxes, which apply to the decedent’s estate, while others have inheritance taxes, imposed on beneficiaries.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
So far, more than 200 decedents have been included in NamUs and 20 cases have been resolved, with Gonzalez’s case being one of them.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 13 June 2025
As such, full disclosure of the value of the decedent’s worldwide asset value is generally the safest course.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decedent
Cite this Entry
“Decedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decedent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
—used chiefly in law
Medical Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
—used chiefly in law
Legal Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Etymology
Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere to depart, die
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