decomposition

as in decay
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the unmistakable smell of decomposition led us to some fruit that had fallen behind the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
  • The structure’s decay was captured in numerous photos, and demolition seemed imminent when the decision was made to rebuild it in conjunction with the new Power & Light District.
    Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
  • The American manufacturing sector is reviving after decades of decay.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The active preparation takes a few minutes; depending on the quantity and temperature, the fermentation process takes 24-48 hours.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • Sourdough is made through a fermentation process that involves naturally occurring yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, which results in a tangy-tasting, chewy bread.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • When the surgeons finally opened her with a piece of broken glass, the putrefaction was as warm as life.
    Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Here was an artist drawn irresistibly to executions and corpses, dismemberment and putrefaction.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 20 Apr. 2024
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decomposition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!