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
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Recent Examples of decomposition
The team is using a process called thermal decomposition to unlock the chemical secrets of neptunium.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
Slower decomposition of food scraps can attract rodents and other unwanted critters.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026
Jacqueline’s remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition in a storage tote left outside a boarded up, abandoned home on Clark Street in New Britain in October.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
The exact cause and manner of death could not be determined due to decomposition; however, ISP said exposure to cold was a contributing factor in his death.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
The body of a month-old boy found in a duffel bag stuffed in a closet inside his family’s apartment was in an advanced state of decomposition — and his mother told cops her son hadn’t been home for at least two weeks before being arrested for hiding his corpse, prosecutors said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office determined at the time that Schlake drowned, but his body was in such a state of decomposition that officials could not immediately identify him, said Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
The house smelled of urine, feces and decomposition.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
If the stump is in a low-traffic area and won't interfere with lawn mowing, the easiest removal method is natural decomposition.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
Slower decomposition of food scraps can attract rodents and other unwanted critters.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026
Jacqueline’s remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition in a storage tote left outside a boarded up, abandoned home on Clark Street in New Britain in October.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
The exact cause and manner of death could not be determined due to decomposition; however, ISP said exposure to cold was a contributing factor in his death.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
The body of a month-old boy found in a duffel bag stuffed in a closet inside his family’s apartment was in an advanced state of decomposition — and his mother told cops her son hadn’t been home for at least two weeks before being arrested for hiding his corpse, prosecutors said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office determined at the time that Schlake drowned, but his body was in such a state of decomposition that officials could not immediately identify him, said Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
The house smelled of urine, feces and decomposition.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Jan. 2026
If the stump is in a low-traffic area and won't interfere with lawn mowing, the easiest removal method is natural decomposition.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
-
Leaking water can cause structural decay, mold growth, destroyed flooring, and more.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Lambdas are ideal for spin research because the direction of a lambda’s spin can be inferred from the direction in which a proton or antiproton is emitted during its decay.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In terms of ingredients, Momose expects to see more use of teas, roasted grains, botanicals, fermentation and culinary techniques that create depth without alcohol.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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After fermentation and toasting, the beans are winnowed and placed in a melanger, a stone grinder that runs for up to 72 to turn the beans into a velvety, smooth paste.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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