as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem
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Recent Examples of spoilage
Knowing how long opened jam lasts and how to spot signs of spoilage is key to keeping your fridge organized, reducing waste, and avoiding foodborne illness.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Foods processed to prevent spoilage but not usually refrigerated are the most common vehicles of botulism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Homemade yogurt should be used within about the same timeframe, but be sure to check for signs of spoilage before serving.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Pasteurization is the process of heating liquids or foods, in order to kill microbes that can cause spoilage and disease.
—Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Foods processed to prevent spoilage but not usually refrigerated are the most common vehicles of botulism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Homemade yogurt should be used within about the same timeframe, but be sure to check for signs of spoilage before serving.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Pasteurization is the process of heating liquids or foods, in order to kill microbes that can cause spoilage and disease.
—Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
decay
Noun
-
Sections of peeling bark or cracks in the bark can signal infestation or decay.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
-
This reflects the idea of decay or rot associated with damp, earthy conditions.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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