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
While some condiments last for months or even years before opening, after opening, exposure to air, moisture, and contaminated utensils can speed up spoilage.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
In addition to unpleasant flavors, how your flour smells or looks can indicate spoilage.
—Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
When certain fresh foods are stored close together, ethylene can speed up the ripening—and spoilage—process.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
However, the complaint alleges the chicken contains sodium phosphate, a preservative that controls pH and reduces fat oxidation, effectively slowing microbial growth and spoilage.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
In addition to unpleasant flavors, how your flour smells or looks can indicate spoilage.
—Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
When certain fresh foods are stored close together, ethylene can speed up the ripening—and spoilage—process.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
However, the complaint alleges the chicken contains sodium phosphate, a preservative that controls pH and reduces fat oxidation, effectively slowing microbial growth and spoilage.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoilage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoilage
Noun
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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
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In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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