spoilage

noun

ˈspȯi-lij How to pronounce spoilage (audio)
Definition of spoilagenext
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 Unknown hackers took over the refrigeration in hundreds of supermarkets across France, raising temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, causing massive spoilage. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Don’t store hot dogs in warmer fridge zones (above 40°F), which can lead to spoilage. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026 And Krutsinger notes that nyjer seeds need extra protection from moisture—even small amounts of humidity can cause clumping or spoilage. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 Produce can still potentially be unsafe without obvious signs of spoilage. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
  1. decomposition
  2. decay
Noun
  • His body was in a state of decomposition, which investigators said indicated a significant gap of time between the victim’s death and discovery, according to Hernandez’s arrest affidavit.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Due to decomposition, county officials said, little about him is known.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of decomposition
Noun
  • The result depends on the assumption that nuclear reaction rates and neutron decay follow the same scaling as the expansion rate.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The findings showed similar outcomes of tooth decay in both groups.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of decay

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spoil
spoilage
spoiled
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Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spoilage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spoilage

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