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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decompose
Christine Fiorentino, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
But be aware that your yard may stink from the decomposing bugs.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
How long does cardboard take to decompose in the garden?
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The decomposing roots serve as the host for the mushrooms to grow.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompose
Verb
Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of ripening fruit and decomposing produce.
—Christine Fiorentino, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
But be aware that your yard may stink from the decomposing bugs.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
How long does cardboard take to decompose in the garden?
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The decomposing roots serve as the host for the mushrooms to grow.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
-
After that group disintegrated, the pair linked up with the guitarist and drummer of another band, Mythology — Iommi and Bill Ward — in late 1968 and formed a sextet called the Polka Tulk Blues Band.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
-
Substantial, but not so much so that the bun will disintegrate from rivers of juice.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
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
Verb
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Food waste after a party or outdoor snacking session can begin to rot and smell, which won’t be pleasant for you or your neighbors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
-
This vertical trellis reduces the likelihood of rotting, keeps produce away from certain garden pests, and can even increase sun exposure.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 July 2025
Noun
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After fermentation, the yogurt is strained to remove extra liquid (whey) to produce Greek yogurt.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
22 July 2025
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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