PUTRESCENCE Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

putrescence

noun

pyü-ˈtre-sᵊn(t)s

Definition of putrescence

as in decomposition

the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances in the far corner of the walk-in refrigerator was a crate of cucumbers in an advanced stage of putrescence

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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 putrescence In 19th-century cities, when waste disposal was a private matter and not yet a public responsibility, households lived close to their own putrescence. — Curbed, 12 Aug. 2022 There was no evidence to suggest the existence of four receptor classes, rather than three, or five, or ten; nor was there any serious reason to believe that acidity and goatiness—but not, say, florality or putrescence—were fundamentals of odor. — Scott Sayare, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 In various states of putrescence—worms wriggling, entrails dangling—cadavers rise from their graves to join the Dance of Death. — Felipe Fernández-Armesto, WSJ, 24 Apr. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrescence

Noun

One key indicator of soil health is decomposition rates of complex organic matter, breaking down stuff like leaves, wood, even cadavers into simpler organic and inorganic compounds, releasing C02 and nutrients in the process.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
This doesn’t mean that a region’s optimal underground environment is always one that facilitates rapid decomposition.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of decomposition

Noun

In a total power blackout, the plant removes residual decay heat through natural convection rather than emergency electrical pumps or operator intervention.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Waytowich said crime is a symptom of much deeper problems on the north side of Jacksonville, from neighborhood decay to generational trauma and lack of job opportunities.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decay

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putrefying

putrescence

putrescent

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“Putrescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putrescence. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of putrescence

noun

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