as in to disintegrate
to go through decomposition
detectives needed to know how long it would take a corpse to decompose to that advanced state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 decompose
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
To test if maggots could spike those isotope levels, the researchers analyzed fly larvae feeding on decomposing human muscle tissue.
—Jay Kakade
december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
To compost, tear the tissue paper into small pieces to speed up decomposition.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompose
Verb
The earthy scent of decomposing leaves and soil contributes to the smell.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
To test if maggots could spike those isotope levels, the researchers analyzed fly larvae feeding on decomposing human muscle tissue.
—Jay Kakade
december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
The team’s new polymer layer resists mixing with electrolyte solvents, instead favoring decomposition of salt anions.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
To compost, tear the tissue paper into small pieces to speed up decomposition.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
-
By removing microscopic defects and smoothing the surface, this coating ensures efficient energy flow while preventing the cell from disintegrating under intense heat.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The very flying machine that now seemed destined to disintegrate in midair with us and the little girl.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Teeth become diseased with decay and resorptive lesions and, when removed, these cats often lead much happier and more comfortable lives.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
-
These fission reactors relied on the slow decay of uranium to generate heat and electricity.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Politically, the regime has rotted from within, discarding, discrediting, or detaining its own kind.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
13 Jan. 2026
-
That includes money to replace a lot of wood that rotted away due to holes in the roof and walls.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
During fermentation, probiotics, organic acids, and antioxidants are formed.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
12 Jan. 2026
-
For his first bottling, Juhasz chose a non-interventionist winemaking regime, using a cold soak followed by native fermentation, and a focus on expressing fruit and terroir.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
11 Jan. 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
“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
