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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
  • In organizational life, this might look like: Declines in discretionary effort Ambiguity about priorities Less appetite for risk or experimentation Emotional withdrawal or flattened affect These aren’t signs of decay.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • In places where fluoride is not in the drinking water, fluoride tablets or drops may be prescribed for babies and children to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Probiotics are naturally formed during the fermentation process used to make foods like some pickles and olives.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The fermentation process makes kombucha a potential source of probiotics in your diet.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Fifty-three industrial plants are invited to squat there, in the center of the city, and the smell of decomposition and putrefaction and acidification, a stew of sulfur, chlorine, lye, and ammonia, suffuses the air.
    Caroline Fraser June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
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.

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“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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