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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Citing a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the outlet said that the victim was a female in a severe state of decomposition.
—
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Authorities located a body in the front trunk of the Tesla that was in a state of decomposition, LAPD sources said.
—Alex Stone, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Dynamic task decomposition, enabling systems to break down complex objectives and adapt as new information emerges.
—Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Soldiers stationed in the area remarked on the wretched smell of decomposition well into 1917, a year after the battle ended.
—Michael Jerome Plunkett
september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
The issue of decomposition The research centered on a type of battery known as LNMO (composed of lithium, nickel, manganese, and oxygen).
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
On August 13, the bodies of the four men were discovered in the Parisian municipality of Choisy-le-Roi in varying states of decomposition.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
The child's body was found inside a cardboard box in a bedroom in an advanced state of decomposition, the document said.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
However, many SSDs include extra space to allow for decomposition over time.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Authorities located a body in the front trunk of the Tesla that was in a state of decomposition, LAPD sources said.
—Alex Stone, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Dynamic task decomposition, enabling systems to break down complex objectives and adapt as new information emerges.
—Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Soldiers stationed in the area remarked on the wretched smell of decomposition well into 1917, a year after the battle ended.
—Michael Jerome Plunkett
september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
The issue of decomposition The research centered on a type of battery known as LNMO (composed of lithium, nickel, manganese, and oxygen).
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
On August 13, the bodies of the four men were discovered in the Parisian municipality of Choisy-le-Roi in varying states of decomposition.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
The child's body was found inside a cardboard box in a bedroom in an advanced state of decomposition, the document said.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
However, many SSDs include extra space to allow for decomposition over time.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
-
To determine if a root canal is needed, dentists conduct a thorough exam, often with X-rays, to evaluate decay, damage and the tooth’s internal condition.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Its alignment with figures like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un symbolizes the isolation and reputational decay of a regime that relies on coercion rather than consent.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Known for excellent hazy IPAs as well as a stellar mixed fermentation/sour program, Hill Farmstead is worth the drive as some beer people consider a visit to their small but inviting tasting room almost a religious pilgrimage.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Process the seeds using the same fermentation technique as for tomato seeds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Fifty-three industrial plants are invited to squat there, in the center of the city, and the smell of decomposition and putrefaction and acidification, a stew of sulfur, chlorine, lye, and ammonia, suffuses the air.—
Caroline Fraser
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share