as in decay
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
the unmistakable smell of decomposition led us to some fruit that had fallen behind the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decomposition
Store ripe produce in the refrigerator to slow down decomposition.
—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Apply thin, dry layers of clippings to prevent matting, promote decomposition, and avoid oxygen blockage.
—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Forensic pathologist Shaku Teas, who reviewed the autopsy report on Chiodo, testified the body was in a state of advanced decomposition by the time it was found.
—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Their decomposition supplies organic material in the soil, but that means wood-type mulches will need to be replaced about every other year, with an annual touch-up to maintain their effective thickness.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2026
Seasoned explorers will generally bring gas meters to check for dangerous levels of fumes, including potentially flammable hydrogen sulfide, which is produced by decomposition, Duncan said.
—
ABC News,
4 June 2026
The octopus had been preserved in formaldehyde, which halts decomposition.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Excessive fly activity indicates decomposition is already underway, at which point the fruit's condition is as much the concern as the flies themselves.
—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
Brian Eckenrode, a retired FBI forensic scientist and expert in human decomposition, joined them in 2021.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Apply thin, dry layers of clippings to prevent matting, promote decomposition, and avoid oxygen blockage.
—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Forensic pathologist Shaku Teas, who reviewed the autopsy report on Chiodo, testified the body was in a state of advanced decomposition by the time it was found.
—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Their decomposition supplies organic material in the soil, but that means wood-type mulches will need to be replaced about every other year, with an annual touch-up to maintain their effective thickness.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2026
Seasoned explorers will generally bring gas meters to check for dangerous levels of fumes, including potentially flammable hydrogen sulfide, which is produced by decomposition, Duncan said.
—
ABC News,
4 June 2026
The octopus had been preserved in formaldehyde, which halts decomposition.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Excessive fly activity indicates decomposition is already underway, at which point the fruit's condition is as much the concern as the flies themselves.
—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
Brian Eckenrode, a retired FBI forensic scientist and expert in human decomposition, joined them in 2021.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
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The decay rate will increase as the spacecraft dips into denser layers of the atmosphere until Swift finally burns up during reentry.
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The Dirty Beaches founder’s own saxophone and trumpet lead the players’ cut-and-pasted recordings down dark alleys of decay and introspection, backdropped by percussive bangs and scrapes that suggest the construction of some great, mysterious superstructure.
Noun
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It is fermented with native yeast in small, open-top barrels, which means a slower fermentation that is completed only after 30-45 days.
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Inspired by a manifesto about fermentation by Mercedes Villalba, Dudley’s film is more of a meditation on loss, with a hint of political subtext.
Noun
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Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.
-
Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.
Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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