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 High humidity and sweltering heat accelerated decomposition, compounding the challenges as health experts warned that leaving the remains exposed could increase the risk of disease. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The display was set up by police, with authorities saying some of the bodies recovered from the floods were in an advanced state of decomposition, making physical identification difficult. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 The team analyzed the corridor over the long term and used seasonal-trend decomposition using LOESS, a statistical method that helped separate seasonal fluctuations from longer-term settlement. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Her body showed advanced decomposition and partial mummification. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Prompts, task decomposition and validation thresholds are calibrated against its behavior, so when the model changes, the tuning has to be redone. — Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 One key indicator of soil health is decomposition rates of complex organic matter, breaking down stuff like leaves, wood, even cadavers into simpler organic and inorganic compounds, releasing C02 and nutrients in the process. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 This doesn’t mean that a region’s optimal underground environment is always one that facilitates rapid decomposition. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026 Heat, sunlight exposure, monsoons, animals and others speed up decomposition, Hess says. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
  1. decay
  2. fermentation
  3. putrefaction
Noun
  • In a total power blackout, the plant removes residual decay heat through natural convection rather than emergency electrical pumps or operator intervention.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Waytowich said crime is a symptom of much deeper problems on the north side of Jacksonville, from neighborhood decay to generational trauma and lack of job opportunities.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decay
Noun
  • Across the Quilceda Creek portfolio, all fermentations are isolated by block and clone.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026
  • An essential stop on my fermentation pilgrimage, while not part of the official trail, was the quiet izakaya at Hakko House Nagaoka, a two-room accommodation.
    — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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