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
Make small batches to mitigate the risk of spoilage and wastage.
—
Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025
Do not wash them in advance and store them, as water can encourage microbial growth that can lead to premature spoilage, experts said.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
This not only creates the perfect environment for beneficial probiotics to thrive, but also helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.2
Pickles and olives can be rich sources of probiotics when they’re made through fermentation, but not all varieties undergo this process.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
Also, storing cucumbers next to fruits like tomatoes, bananas and melons can speed up the spoilage process.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025
Do not wash them in advance and store them, as water can encourage microbial growth that can lead to premature spoilage, experts said.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
This not only creates the perfect environment for beneficial probiotics to thrive, but also helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.2
Pickles and olives can be rich sources of probiotics when they’re made through fermentation, but not all varieties undergo this process.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
Also, storing cucumbers next to fruits like tomatoes, bananas and melons can speed up the spoilage process.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
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Authorities located a body in the front trunk of the Tesla that was in a state of decomposition, LAPD sources said.—
Alex Stone,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
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Authorities told the outlets that the body was in a state of decomposition.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Excessive tooth decay in children can require treatment in hospitals, under anesthesia.—
Anna Clark,
ProPublica,
18 Sep. 2025
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And these survived only because clay and salt in the surrounding soil protected them from further decay.—
Dirk Schulze-Makuch,
Big Think,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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