PUTREFACTION Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

putrefaction

noun

ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən

Definition of putrefaction

as in decomposition

the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances clearing the refrigerator of what the previous tenant had left behind was like taking a course in the advanced putrefaction of leftovers

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of putrefaction Likely only dead individuals, floating as gases formed by putrefaction accumulated in body cavities, entered the lagoon. — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 Here was an artist drawn irresistibly to executions and corpses, dismemberment and putrefaction. — airmail.news, 20 Apr. 2024 Not the smell of putrefaction, though the novel is littered with rotting corpses. — Nathaniel Rich, The New York Review of Books, 30 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for putrefaction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrefaction

Noun

Soil organic matter is a rich substance created by the decomposition of the carbon-rich litter layer above it, forming a layer that soil scientists call the O-horizon.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
The prosecutor then showed the jury Daniela’s shirt, which the detective said was stained by brown decomposition fluid, and Julia’s clothing, including her underwear soaked in blood.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of decomposition

Noun

Radioisotope power systems convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Conversely, modern concrete is subject to irreversible decay, a form of disintegration owing to its formation as a composite of cement and aggregate materials, such as gravel and sand.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026