DECOMPOSE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of decompose are decay , putrefy , rot , and spoil . While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption. // the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

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

The words decay and decompose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection. // a decaying mansion

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

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

Q: How do 'rot' and 'decompose' relate to one another?

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 'decompose'?

The synonyms spoil and decompose are sometimes interchangeable, but spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods. // keep the ham from spoiling

decompose

verb

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz

Definition of decompose next

as in to disintegrate

to go through decomposition detectives needed to know how long it would take a corpse to decompose to that advanced state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of decompose are decay, putrefy, rot, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

Where would decay be a reasonable alternative to decompose?

The words decay and decompose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

In what contexts can putrefy take the place of decompose?

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

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

How do rot and decompose relate to one another?

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 decompose?

The synonyms spoil and decompose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 decompose Cover the Pile Compost that is decomposing properly will heat up in the middle. —

Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2024 The biodegradable coffin allows the grave site to return to nature and the body to completely decompose, leaving minimal or even positive environmental impact. —

Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Two co-owners of a Colorado funeral home where around 190 decomposing bodies were found last year pleaded guilty Thursday to federal fraud charges, officials said. —

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 Straw wattles are made from biodegradable materials and can be left in place to decompose over time, while contour logs or large tree branches offer a more natural-looking solution for rustic landscapes. —

Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decompose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose

Verb

The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.

Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024
Previously part of the Soviet Union, Chechnya asserted its independence from Moscow as the bloc disintegrated.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024