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
What then starts is a roughly 30-day process where the body naturally decomposes and becomes nutrient-rich dirt. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 16 July 2025 An American man who vanished weeks ago in Turks and Caicos is still presumed missing, despite the fact that a decomposing male body was found in the island paradise 10 days ago. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025 Electrolytes that transport electrons can decompose into flammable gases and puff up your battery into a spicy little pillow, for example. ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025 Nathan had fallen 12 feet deep into one such void, created by a tree trunk that had decomposed inside the dune. Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
  • After that group disintegrated, the pair linked up with the guitarist and drummer of another band, Mythology — Iommi and Bill Ward — in late 1968 and formed a sextet called the Polka Tulk Blues Band.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
  • Substantial, but not so much so that the bun will disintegrate from rivers of juice.
    Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The decay of marketing effects varies by channel, audience, creative, season and competitive context.
    Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Although abrupt, the decision follows years of concern about the decay of U.S. Antarctic scientific infrastructure, exacerbated by hesitations from both agencies about starting big new projects in the face of ongoing federal budget uncertainty.
    Nadia Drake, Scientific American, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • This rotting food would inevitably emit a stench so overpowering that early European explorers, fur trappers, and missionaries were sickened by it.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025
  • In a 1965 article from the Marion Leader-Tribune, Hoosier farmers statewide reported that roughly a fourth of their tomato crop had rotted due to unfavorable weather and a failure to attract enough workers.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Derived from the fermentation of rice used to make sake, Pitera (or galactomyces ferment filtrate) is the brand’s trademark, known for its ability to hydrate, soften, and smooth one’s complexion.
    Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 22 July 2025
  • After fermentation, the yogurt is strained to remove extra liquid (whey) to produce Greek yogurt.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Fifty-three industrial plants are invited to squat there, in the center of the city, and the smell of decomposition and putrefaction and acidification, a stew of sulfur, chlorine, lye, and ammonia, suffuses the air.
    Caroline Fraser June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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