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 Unusual smell and off-putting consistency – Indicating premature spoilage despite proper storage. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Avoid washing until ready to use to avoid excess moisture, which could cause spoilage. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025 Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul odor or slimy texture. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 These microbes can contaminate food, causing spoilage, off-odors, and illnesses such as gastroenteritis, which lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
  • Fluoride can stop early tooth decay by putting minerals back into enamel.
    Katherine Dillinger, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The concern is not that AI is inherently detrimental, but rather the potential for its uncritical and pervasive use to lead to a form of agency decay – a diminished capacity for independent thought, problem-solving, and creative generation when the first and easiest solution is to defer to an AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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