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
Authorities also found numerous dead animals in advanced stages of decomposition, including hundreds of chickens that investigators said had been discarded in bags and fed to the dogs, according to The Straits Times and The Standard.
—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
Investigators also found additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition, the sheriff’s office said.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
In punishing heat, more people wore masks as the stench of decomposition spread.
—
Regina Cano Garcia,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
The search uncovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, in various stages of decomposition.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Frequent mowing keeps clippings small, preventing smothering and speeds up decomposition for reuse.
—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
As with all animals, when a whale dies, bacteria begin the process of decomposition.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
Store ripe produce in the refrigerator to slow down decomposition.
—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Their decomposition supplies organic material in the soil, but that means wood-type mulches will need to be replaced about every other year, with an annual touch-up to maintain their effective thickness.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2026
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
Investigators also found additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition, the sheriff’s office said.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
In punishing heat, more people wore masks as the stench of decomposition spread.
—
Regina Cano Garcia,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
The search uncovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, in various stages of decomposition.
—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
Frequent mowing keeps clippings small, preventing smothering and speeds up decomposition for reuse.
—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
As with all animals, when a whale dies, bacteria begin the process of decomposition.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
Store ripe produce in the refrigerator to slow down decomposition.
—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Their decomposition supplies organic material in the soil, but that means wood-type mulches will need to be replaced about every other year, with an annual touch-up to maintain their effective thickness.
—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
-
The aisles were so choked that blooms and branches brushed against us, the air heady with the scent of lilies, roses, eucalyptus, and sweet decay.
-
The physical properties of TRISO fuel and gas cooling allow the core to dissipate residual decay heat naturally.
Noun
-
Some versions lean sweeter and fruit-forward, while others become drier and more structured as fermentation continues.
-
The spirit was fermented in earthen pits and distilled, a process that took a year across eight fermentations and seven distillations.
Noun
-
Now guys, be sure to say thank you to the man responsible for the pool’s putrefaction and the rest of the surrounding devastation.
-
Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.
Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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