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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
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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
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Probiotics are naturally formed during the fermentation process used to make foods like some pickles and olives.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Aug. 2025
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The fermentation process makes kombucha a potential source of probiotics in your diet.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.
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