DECOMPOSE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

decompose

verb

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz

Definition of decompose next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The bodies had already begun to decompose, suggesting that the people had died some time before they were discovered. —

Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 Ordinarily, plants exposed to a fire’s heat begin to decompose and become fuel, but Phos-Chek acts as a coating, creating a barrier that consumes the heat energy. —

Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025 When the new bridge, pulled into place by teams working on opposite sides of the canyon, is complete, the old one is severed and is simply left to decompose. —

Joan Gaylord, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Jan. 2025 Many say the unfolding disaster underground was clear weeks ago, when community members sporadically pulled decomposing bodies out of the mine, some with notes attached pleading for food to be sent down. —

Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for decompose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompose

Verb

However, Lehr said, if 5% of residents come forward and vote against the termination, then the deal can disintegrate.

— Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
This finding offers important new insight into the evolutionary underpinnings of outer ears, which are typically difficult to study, because cartilage disintegrates over time and does not fossilize like bone.

— Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025