decomposition

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

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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 decomposition His hands and legs were bound, duct tape covered his face, and his body was burned and showed signs of decomposition, according to the record. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Soil organic matter is a rich substance created by the decomposition of the carbon-rich litter layer above it, forming a layer that soil scientists call the O-horizon. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 The prosecutor then showed the jury Daniela’s shirt, which the detective said was stained by brown decomposition fluid, and Julia’s clothing, including her underwear soaked in blood. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 The remains weighed only 27 pounds when they were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026 Coffee grounds in your orchid’s pot are likely to pull nitrogen out of the potting media to fuel their decomposition process, leaving your plant with a deficiency. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026 Both bodies appeared to be in different stages of decomposition. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The body that was recovered in Olifantsfontein on Tuesday was found naked and in an advanced stage of decomposition. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 According to the sheriff's office, the two bodies appeared to be in different stages of decomposition. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
  1. decay
  2. fermentation
  3. putrefaction
Noun
  • But the eleventh-hour blitz of No On 3 ads that Keep Florida Clean funded, warning of the greed of Big Weed, inflamed voters’ private worries of societal decay.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The commercial benchmark, by comparison, showed continuous performance decay during testing.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of decay
Noun
  • Right now yeast fermentation is the standard method of producing heme (as leghemoglobin), but the sterile environment and industrial equipment necessary for manufacturing can be pricey.
    — Lila Magbilang, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Initially, Albala was approached by London imprint Quarto about creating a book on fermentation and whether claims of its health benefits are legitimate.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of fermentation
Noun
  • Now guys, be sure to say thank you to the man responsible for the pool’s putrefaction and the rest of the surrounding devastation.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Nikolai Gogol’s will specified that his corpse must show visible signs of putrefaction before burial.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of putrefaction

Browse Nearby Words

decomposing
decomposition
decompress
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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