decomposition

noun

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

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.
Recent Examples of decomposition At the molecular level, the ammonia formed from the decomposition of urea in the urine acts as the mordant. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 Erosion can move the straw, while decomposition gradually breaks it down. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 According to the medical examiner's office, the bodies were improperly stored at the funeral home and were in various states of decomposition at the time. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Warm weather can make odors worse and accelerate decomposition. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026 Investigators and forensic pathologists who responded found remains in various states of decomposition. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 That followed the discovery of 18 bodies in various stages of decomposition at a funeral home in Georgia in 2024. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The team discovered the over 50 bodies in various states of decomposition, the press release said. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 The bodies were found buried in the backyard and were in a state of decomposition, police said. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
  1. decay
  2. fermentation
  3. putrefaction
Noun
  • This is intended to minimize degradation, reducing contrast decay and improving light projection reliability, ultimately extending the screen's lifespan.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • These numbers allowed researchers to rule out standard organic decay or high-temperature methane breakdown as the source.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of decay
Noun
  • The flavors here may lean Middle Eastern, but the techniques are more Danish, using concepts like fermentation, lamination, and seasonal flavors.
    — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tropical fruit notes are nothing new to seasoned whisky drinkers, the result of the yeast strain that is used for the fermentation process that often become much more noticeable after a whisky has aged for several decades.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Noun
  • Now guys, be sure to say thank you to the man responsible for the pool’s putrefaction and the rest of the surrounding devastation.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of putrefaction

Browse Nearby Words

decomposing
decomposition
decompress
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Cite this Entry

“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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