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
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Recent Examples of decomposition
The system begins by preprocessing battery data using a technique called complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.
—Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators said an X-ray scan of the wrapping revealed a human skeletal structure, confirming that the contents were of human origin and in an advanced stage of decomposition, with observable human skin.
—Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Mar. 2026
Non-archaeological methods, such as DNA sequencing and computer modeling, could help track the human footprint in environments such as humid, tropical climates of Southeast Asia, where conditions accelerate the decomposition of remains.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
For the best results, chop up the peels before composting to speed up their decomposition and help prevent pest issues.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bacteria break down tissues and produce gases that contribute to the body's decomposition process.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
In fact, adding brown material like toilet paper tubes will even speed up the decomposition process and balance out your green kitchen waste.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.
—Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators said an X-ray scan of the wrapping revealed a human skeletal structure, confirming that the contents were of human origin and in an advanced stage of decomposition, with observable human skin.
—Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Mar. 2026
Non-archaeological methods, such as DNA sequencing and computer modeling, could help track the human footprint in environments such as humid, tropical climates of Southeast Asia, where conditions accelerate the decomposition of remains.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
For the best results, chop up the peels before composting to speed up their decomposition and help prevent pest issues.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bacteria break down tissues and produce gases that contribute to the body's decomposition process.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
In fact, adding brown material like toilet paper tubes will even speed up the decomposition process and balance out your green kitchen waste.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
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If a single atom of that sample decays, the vial breaks, and the cat dies.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The universe, however, consists of matter but almost no antimatter, which exists naturally only in small quantities, created by radioactive decay and cosmic ray collisions.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Due to the natural fermentation process, Greek yogurt is also a great option for people who are lactose-sensitive.—
Philipp Wehsack,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Wine is a multifaceted product of grape variety, the fermentation process, the environment and additives.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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