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 The first was that the obstacles were decomposed into cuboids. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 Police later sawed open the floor to expose Grimes’ decomposing 135-pound body. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025 The following day, Authorities found Grimes’ decomposing body wrapped in a blanked and tarp in the crawl space. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 Border Patrol search dogs visited the scene and alerted teams to a body decomposing there. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
  • When breaking down what the heck happened over the last four months, the first item on the list is the way New York’s starting rotation disintegrated.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Her life starts to disintegrate as she becomes embroiled in the world of The Worrall Family.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For another, there’s the DESI data, our best large-scale structure data at present, which seems to slightly favor the presence of evolving (and, in particular, decaying or weakening) dark energy.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The new specimen is highly significant because its near-perfect state preserved the soft tissues, which usually decay over time.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In most parts of the country, tender summer bulbs will either freeze or rot in the ground during winter.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Garbage, rotting food with bugs and clothing stacked close to the ceiling were also seen in most areas of the house.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decompose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!