decomposition

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decomposition
Noun
  • Teeth grinding can also cause more cavities to occur as grinding teeth together strips them of some of the protective enamel that could otherwise prevent tooth decay.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • All water has some fluoride, but many cities and counties in the state add more to help prevent tooth decay.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The active preparation takes a few minutes; depending on the quantity and temperature, the fermentation process takes 24-48 hours.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • Sourdough is made through a fermentation process that involves naturally occurring yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, which results in a tangy-tasting, chewy bread.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • 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, airmail.news, 20 Apr. 2024
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“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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