as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 spoilage
When certain fresh foods are stored close together, ethylene can speed up the ripening—and spoilage—process.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
However, if there are strong off or sour flavors, this is a sign of spoilage.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 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
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, 9 Mar. 2026
However, if there are strong off or sour flavors, this is a sign of spoilage.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 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
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
-
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
Noun
-
If a single atom of that sample decays, the vial breaks, and the cat dies.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The universe, however, consists of matter but almost no antimatter, which exists naturally only in small quantities, created by radioactive decay and cosmic ray collisions.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
