PUTREFACTION Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

putrefaction

noun

ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən

Definition of putrefaction

as in decomposition

the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances clearing the refrigerator of what the previous tenant had left behind was like taking a course in the advanced putrefaction of leftovers

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of putrefaction Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon. — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 When the surgeons finally opened her with a piece of broken glass, the putrefaction was as warm as life. — Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 Here was an artist drawn irresistibly to executions and corpses, dismemberment and putrefaction. — airmail.news, 20 Apr. 2024 Not the smell of putrefaction, though the novel is littered with rotting corpses. — Nathaniel Rich, The New York Review of Books, 30 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for putrefaction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrefaction

Noun

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, 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

Definition of decomposition

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