Synonym Chooser

How is the word decompose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of decompose are decay, putrefy, rot, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

Where would decay be a reasonable alternative to decompose?

The words decay and decompose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

In what contexts can putrefy take the place of decompose?

In some situations, the words putrefy and decompose are roughly equivalent. However, putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

How do rot and decompose relate to one another?

Rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

When is spoil a more appropriate choice than decompose?

The synonyms spoil and decompose are sometimes interchangeable, but spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

Example 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 decompose Return nutrients back to the soil Fallen leaves and other plant debris act as a natural mulch, which slowly decomposes over the winter. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025 The pumpkin will decompose to provide nutrients for next year's vegetable garden. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 Yet certain leaves, such as those from magnolia and loquat trees, are quite slow to decompose unless they are shredded first. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 According to the study, Igatuia Cavernicola likely plays an important role in its cave ecosystem by eating decomposing organic matter, thereby cycling nutrients and contributing to the habitat’s overall health and function. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
  • Ethan Hawke stars as Lorenz Hart of legendary songsmiths Rodgers & Hart as the prolific partnership disintegrates to his great dismay.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This difference sounds small, but preventing a few tenths of a degree of warming could keep polar ice caps from completely disintegrating, coral reefs from collapsing and other tipping points from triggering.
    Syris Valentine, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mia Wasikowska plays Edith, an heiress who marries a seductive baron, Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), and moves into his enormous, decaying mansion — which is also inhabited by Thomas' enigmatic sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain).
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Small, viscous waves lapped against the shore, the swell leaving behind a brown shelf of decaying organic matter.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Leave 3 to 5 inches of space between the mulch and the trunk of young fruit trees to reduce the risk of rot and pest issues.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Churches, libraries, and houses stand splintered and rotting next to posh tourist resorts, the aftermath of 2017’s Hurricane Maria.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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