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
  • The decay of marketing effects varies by channel, audience, creative, season and competitive context.
    Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Although abrupt, the decision follows years of concern about the decay of U.S. Antarctic scientific infrastructure, exacerbated by hesitations from both agencies about starting big new projects in the face of ongoing federal budget uncertainty.
    Nadia Drake, Scientific American, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • After fermentation, the yogurt is strained to remove extra liquid (whey) to produce Greek yogurt.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
  • Derived from the fermentation of rice used to make sake, Pitera (or galactomyces ferment filtrate) is the brand’s trademark, known for its ability to hydrate, soften, and smooth one’s complexion.
    Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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“Decomposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decomposition. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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