decedent

noun

de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsē-dᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
law
: a person who is no longer living : a deceased person
the estate of the decedent

Examples of decedent in a Sentence

a tax on the estate of the decedent
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As such, full disclosure of the value of the decedent’s worldwide asset value is generally the safest course. Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 The Los Angeles County medical examiner has not identified the man and said autopsies for the two decedents are not being released yet. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 Estate Taxes The federal estate tax exclusion for decedents dying in 2025 will increase to $13,990,000 per person, or $27,980,000 per married couple. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 If assets within the estate took a hit in the six months following the decedent’s date of death, the alternate valuation date can be a tremendous help. Ashley Case, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for decedent

Word History

Etymology

Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere — see decease

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decedent was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decedent. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
used chiefly in law

Medical Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
used chiefly in law

Legal Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Etymology

Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere to depart, die

More from Merriam-Webster on decedent

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