1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
middle-aged people who fervently hope that daily exercise will arrest the physical decay that usually accompanies advancing age
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
the cycle by which the decay of dead plants on the forest floor provides soil and nutrients for the next generation of plants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to rot
to go through decomposition
the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber
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2
as in to deteriorate
to become worse or of less value
the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years
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3
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decay
Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Sealing the holes also helps prevent moisture intrusion and wood decay.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
His body has barely decayed, and his hair and teeth are still intact.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decay
Noun
American literacy is also declining alongside the decay of humanities funding, and that’s been going on since the Regan Era.
—Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Sealing the holes also helps prevent moisture intrusion and wood decay.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
If left standing, decaying leaves can attract rodents, like voles, by providing a cozy winter home.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
His body has barely decayed, and his hair and teeth are still intact.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decay
Noun
-
Americans have this year grappled with elevated inflation, as well as a deterioration of the job market and a broader weakening of the nation’s economic outlook.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The median age of survival since 1970 is 29 years and, while there is no cure and physical deterioration is inevitable, advancements in care have lengthened life expectancy.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Eventually, the natural fungal spores will colonize, and decomposition will begin.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
After extinguishing the fire, officials found Robert Hill, 44, deceased with severe burns, apparent head trauma, and signs of decomposition, according to Melesa Johnson with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Letting the soil dry out some between waterings keeps the roots from rotting in excess moisture.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The program culture began to rot, the Aggies couldn't win on the road and often underwhelmed in big games.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Run defense by the safety opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick also has deteriorated.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The plan has seen rapid growth in recent years as California’s insurance market has deteriorated, with companies pulling back business in the state due to rising risks from climate change, losses caused by major wildfires and other factors.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That legacy hasn’t faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
-
With spring bloomers like azaleas, wait to prune later in spring after the flowers have faded.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Despite its weakening power, heavy rain associated with the storm has already stretched as far north as the Desert Southwest.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
While most of the central bank’s policymakers still see inflation as a bigger threat than the jobs market — whose weakening may be more driven by slower immigration than corporate gloominess — there’s little consensus on the path forward, according to the September minutes released Wednesday.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Mushrooms also thrive in decomposing wood mulch.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
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These clippings decompose rapidly, enhancing soil quality and providing nutrients for your turf grass.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Murdaughs' facade of prosperity, love and happiness all starts to crumble after Paul crashes that boat.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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Yet after three easy wins during a light nonconference schedule, the Nittany Lions crumbled.—
Travis Johnson,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decay. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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