as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem
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Recent Examples of spoilage
Unusual smell and off-putting consistency – Indicating premature spoilage despite proper storage.
—
Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Avoid washing until ready to use to avoid excess moisture, which could cause spoilage.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul odor or slimy texture.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
These microbes can contaminate food, causing spoilage, off-odors, and illnesses such as gastroenteritis, which lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Avoid washing until ready to use to avoid excess moisture, which could cause spoilage.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage such as a foul odor or slimy texture.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
These microbes can contaminate food, causing spoilage, off-odors, and illnesses such as gastroenteritis, which lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
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One hundred and thirteen years later, much of the great vessel — and what’s left of its splendors — remains in the same spot it was found four decades ago in 1985, though decay and human interference have changed its form over time.—
Nicole Briese,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Water fluoridation has been proven to be so effective at preventing tooth decay that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named it one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, a time during which Americans' life expectancies rose by 30 years.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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