DECAY Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'decay' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of decay are decompose , putrefy , rot , and spoil . While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection. // a decaying mansion

Q: Where would 'decompose' be a reasonable alternative to 'decay'?

While the synonyms decompose and decay are close in meaning, decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption. // the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

Q: In what contexts can 'putrefy' take the place of 'decay'?

In some situations, the words putrefy and decay are roughly equivalent. However, putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell. // corpses putrefying on the battlefield

Q: How are the words 'rot' and 'decompose' related as synonyms of 'decay'?

Rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness. // fruit was left to rot in warehouses

Q: When is 'spoil' a more appropriate choice than 'decay'?

The meanings of spoil and decay largely overlap; however, spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods. // keep the ham from spoiling

decay 1 of 2

noun

Definition of decay next

as in deterioration

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body middle-aged people who fervently hope that daily exercise will arrest the physical decay that usually accompanies advancing age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in decomposition

the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the cycle by which the decay of dead plants on the forest floor provides soil and nutrients for the next generation of plants

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decay

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈkā

as in to rot

to go through decomposition the logs decayed on the rain forest floor the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber

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as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years

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as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word decay different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of decay are decompose, putrefy, rot, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

Where would decompose be a reasonable alternative to decay?

While the synonyms decompose and decay are close in meaning, decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

In what contexts can putrefy take the place of decay?

In some situations, the words putrefy and decay are roughly equivalent. However, putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

How are the words rot and decompose related as synonyms of decay?

Rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

When is spoil a more appropriate choice than decay?

The meanings of spoil and decay largely overlap; however, spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

Examples 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 decay

Noun

The chemical has been added to U.S. water since 1945 to help prevent tooth decay, and is one of the most common ways to prevent cavities. —

Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024 Although fluoride has demonstrated benefits, namely in reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay, some studies have also raised questions about its potential link to health problems ranging from cancer to osteoporosis. —

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Pivet has also developed the Self-Cycle case, that according to the company is bio-available, which means when you are done with the case and aren't able to recycle, the naturally consumable plastic will decay in landfills. —

Good Housekeeping, 22 Aug. 2022 Without relative economic strength, the sphere’s political and military strength will decay over time. —

George Bradt, Forbes, 7 June 2022 See all Example Sentences for decay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decay

Noun

Coined as far back as 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the idea of mental deterioration from trivial distractions has never been more relevant.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Tedeschi credits Park Road with heroic work on the Maysles footage, which was delivered to them in various stages of deterioration.

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024