decomposition

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
  • The structure’s decay was captured in numerous photos, and demolition seemed imminent when the decision was made to rebuild it in conjunction with the new Power & Light District.
    Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
  • The American manufacturing sector is reviving after decades of decay.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Let stand for 6 or 7 hours, or until signs of fermentation (gas bubbles) appear.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025
  • The mango trees next to our distillery attract fruit flies, and those fruit flies carry wild yeast that adds subtle complexity to the fermentation.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • When the surgeons finally opened her with a piece of broken glass, the putrefaction was as warm as life.
    Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Here was an artist drawn irresistibly to executions and corpses, dismemberment and putrefaction.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 20 Apr. 2024
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decomposition

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!