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
Plus, any extra moisture can speed up spoilage.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
How to tell if your food has gone bad
Arizona State University has the following tips for what to look for to judge if your food is safe to eat or should be thrown out:
Signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026
This can result in a broken seal or a swollen can, causing spoilage, according to the USDA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Two years ago, engineers at Koç University in Turkey designed a battery free, smartphone controllable sensor device that can be applied directly to the surface of protein-rich meats like beef to remotely monitor their spoilage rates.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
How to tell if your food has gone bad
Arizona State University has the following tips for what to look for to judge if your food is safe to eat or should be thrown out:
Signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026
This can result in a broken seal or a swollen can, causing spoilage, according to the USDA.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Two years ago, engineers at Koç University in Turkey designed a battery free, smartphone controllable sensor device that can be applied directly to the surface of protein-rich meats like beef to remotely monitor their spoilage rates.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
-
Wrapped in a biodegradable shroud of silk or wool, the body is placed in a pressurized chamber where a blend of hot water and chemicals accelerates natural decomposition.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Bacteria break down tissues and produce gases that contribute to the body's decomposition process.—
Layla Ferris,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The subsurface storage reserve acts as the ultimate shock absorber against price spike and the decay of petroleum reserves due to poorly managed well shut-in during crisis.—
Siddharth Misra,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The creation of a tiny black hole would only lead to its immediate decay.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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