decompose 1 of 2

decomposition

2 of 2

noun

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

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 decompose
Verb
Communities also found decomposing bodies floating past their homes, leaders said. Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025 Inside the home, authorities found the 70-year-old’s body dismembered and decomposing in 14 plastic bags, police said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2025 The couple were found severely decomposed in their home on Feb 28 – more than two weeks after prosecutors allege Casap killed them. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Halleck adds coffee grounds need to be decomposed by microbes first to release nitrogen and other nutrients. Lauren David, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
  • Mohammadi works with materials that disintegrate, for instance halva, soap, letting their ephemerality echo the fragility of memory.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Toward the end of the movie, Bob’s house of shame disintegrates.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Teeth grinding can also cause more cavities to occur as grinding teeth together strips them of some of the protective enamel that could otherwise prevent tooth decay.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • All water has some fluoride, but many cities and counties in the state add more to help prevent tooth decay.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The rotting teeth of our children because of this fluoride ban is a metaphor for the rot in our government.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • Watering them during this time can cause the bulbs to rot, especially in warm, humid conditions.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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