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decompose

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of decompose

to go through decomposition
  • Detectives needed to know how long it would take a corpse to decompose to that advanced state.
Synonyms of decompose

break down, corrupt, decay, disintegrate, fester, foul, mold, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil
Words Related to decompose

sour, turn

contaminate, defile, pollute, taint

addle, curdle, ferment

mortify

rust

crumble, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, dilapidate, sink, wither
Phrases Synonymous with decompose

fall apart, go to seed (or run to seed)
Near Antonyms of decompose

age, develop, grow, mature, ripen

refresh, renew, restore

cleanse, purify

assemble, compose, integrate

ameliorate, better, improve, meliorate

Synonym Discussion of decompose

decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution. decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.
    • a decaying mansion
decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.
    • the strong odor of decomposing vegetation
rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.
    • fruit was left to rot in warehouses
putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.
    • corpses putrefying on the battlefield
spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.
    • keep the ham from spoiling

Learn More about decompose

  1. Dictionary: Definition of decompose Medical Dictionary: Definition of decompose Spanish Central: Translation of decompose Nglish: Translation of decompose for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of decompose for Arabic speakers

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