spoilage

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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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 Make small batches to mitigate the risk of spoilage and wastage. Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025 Do not wash them in advance and store them, as water can encourage microbial growth that can lead to premature spoilage, experts said. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 This not only creates the perfect environment for beneficial probiotics to thrive, but also helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.2 Pickles and olives can be rich sources of probiotics when they’re made through fermentation, but not all varieties undergo this process. Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025 Also, storing cucumbers next to fruits like tomatoes, bananas and melons can speed up the spoilage process. Logan Holland, People.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
  • The issue of decomposition The research centered on a type of battery known as LNMO (composed of lithium, nickel, manganese, and oxygen).
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
  • On August 13, the bodies of the four men were discovered in the Parisian municipality of Choisy-le-Roi in varying states of decomposition.
    Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Exposure to warm, humid air and bugs in the outdoors will speed up the decay even more.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The quest has led us down many theoretically interesting avenues, spawning ideas like extra dimensions, supersymmetry, proton decay, string theory, and many others.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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