Synonym Chooser

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

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 decompose In regeneration, superficial cells naturally decompose and are replaced by new cells to maintain the health and structure of your tongue.2 Actions like eating, drinking, talking, and even breathing can cause some degree of trauma to the cells and tissue of your tongue. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025 The bag had maggots inside and inside the suitcase police found the decomposing body of Johnson’s 7-year-old niece, Joshlyn Marie James Johnson, according to the news outlet. Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025 Read Next Florida Surgeon removed wrong organ, killing man — and a cover-up followed, Florida suit says January 31, 2025 5:13 PM Read Next National Hospital left mom’s body to decompose in unrefrigerated room, suit says. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025 The only component that does not decompose is a small part of the zipper, Oscher explained. Alex Wynne, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose
Verb
  • Millions of lives were at stake in the simulation, as government heads raced to decide whether or not to rocket nuclear warheads to deflect the asteroid or completely disintegrate it.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Were we placed under the same unforgiving microscope, even the most robust self-confidence would disintegrate, and fast.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • What doesn’t decay this winter can be mulched up next spring.
    Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Sep. 2022
  • In particular, many theorists have wondered how the great complexity of life can be reconciled with the laws of thermodynamics that suggest that all systems must inevitably decay to a state of greatest disorder.
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2022
Verb
  • Weather and Soil Considerations Dahlia tubers need moisture to grow but will rot in soggy soil.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Freezing speaks to all of these desires: Frozen vegetables don’t rot in the fridge.
    Meghan McCarron, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompose. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decompose

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