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 system begins by preprocessing battery data using a technique called complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.
—Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators said an X-ray scan of the wrapping revealed a human skeletal structure, confirming that the contents were of human origin and in an advanced stage of decomposition, with observable human skin.
—Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Mar. 2026
Non-archaeological methods, such as DNA sequencing and computer modeling, could help track the human footprint in environments such as humid, tropical climates of Southeast Asia, where conditions accelerate the decomposition of remains.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
For the best results, chop up the peels before composting to speed up their decomposition and help prevent pest issues.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bacteria break down tissues and produce gases that contribute to the body's decomposition process.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
In fact, adding brown material like toilet paper tubes will even speed up the decomposition process and balance out your green kitchen waste.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.
—Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
Investigators said an X-ray scan of the wrapping revealed a human skeletal structure, confirming that the contents were of human origin and in an advanced stage of decomposition, with observable human skin.
—Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Mar. 2026
Non-archaeological methods, such as DNA sequencing and computer modeling, could help track the human footprint in environments such as humid, tropical climates of Southeast Asia, where conditions accelerate the decomposition of remains.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
For the best results, chop up the peels before composting to speed up their decomposition and help prevent pest issues.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bacteria break down tissues and produce gases that contribute to the body's decomposition process.
—Layla Ferris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
In fact, adding brown material like toilet paper tubes will even speed up the decomposition process and balance out your green kitchen waste.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
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Samples returned during the Apollo missions have linked this to higher concentrations of heat-producing radioactive elements such as thorium, whose decay likely fueled ancient volcanic eruptions, while much of the rest of the moon remained comparatively cooler.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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Film negatives deteriorate through humidity, chemical decay and physical damage, and without timely intervention, important works risk being lost entirely.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Bakers rely on flour, water, salt, and a natural starter, using fermentation—rather than additives—to develop flavor and structure, Gavin says.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Visitors taste the fruit from pods, watch the fermentation process and not only see how the beans transform but taste the finished product.—
Sandra Guzman,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 2026.
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