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
Authorities located a body in the front trunk of the Tesla that was in a state of decomposition, LAPD sources said.
—
Alex Stone, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Sources said that due to the advanced state of decomposition, the deceased died some time ago.
—Joe Holden, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Her body was found wrapped in a blanket, her face battered and bloated from early decomposition, forensic analysts testified.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
Leyla's body was found in October, showing signs of decomposition, Univision reported.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
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
Alex Stone, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Sources said that due to the advanced state of decomposition, the deceased died some time ago.
—Joe Holden, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Her body was found wrapped in a blanket, her face battered and bloated from early decomposition, forensic analysts testified.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
Leyla's body was found in October, showing signs of decomposition, Univision reported.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
-
In the blasting afternoon sun, the stench of fermenting earth and decay steams off the marsh.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Power from radioactive decay NRD claims the battery can deliver power outputs ranging from 5 nanowatts to 500 nanowatts.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of its partners, Phil Morle, pointed to how hyper-fermentation can close the gap between breakthrough strains and reliable, cost-competitive production.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Traditional sourdough uses only flour, water, salt, and a natural starter, with a slow fermentation process for flavor.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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 19 Apr. 2026.
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