decompose
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
As these long lasting carbon stores decompose, they release additional CO2 into the atmosphere.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
Despite recycling efforts, most plastic ends up in landfills where it can take centuries to decompose, leaching out chemicals during that time, Deeney said.
From Barron's ● Jan. 26, 2026
His latest invention, GraveTech, gives people the opportunity to say hello to their loved ones as they decompose six feet underground, at the touch of a button.
From Salon ● Dec. 5, 2025
The shells serve a dual purpose — one that is functional, as they decompose to improve the soil quality, and another formal, reflecting moonlight in the evening.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2025
Despite being embalmed, the body began to decompose and smell by Thursday, three days after Garfield's death.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
The whale has gained in size in recent days because of a build-up of gas as the carcass decomposes, and some islanders are worried it may explode.
From BBC ● May 20, 2026
Fires that start below the surface often begin spontaneously, as organic matter decomposes and creates heat, fueled by oxygen that sneaks in through the cracks.
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
Similar to oil drill sites, landfills have an extensive network of underground wells that are used to extract gases produced as buried waste decomposes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2025
But by the time Agatha Harkness’ body instantaneously rots and decomposes into a bed of flowers in shades of her signature purple, her death inspires something closer to sadness rather than cheer.
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2024
“It’s just a case of remembering that oxalic acid on heating decomposes into carbon dioxide, water, and good old carbon monoxide. College chem, you know.”
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
Photos displayed by Silverman in court Wednesday morning showed investigators recovered 11 air fresheners from inside the car, indicating someone was trying to suppress the strong odor coming from Hernandez’s badly decomposed remains.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
As that material decomposed, oxygen levels in the sediment decreased, creating favorable conditions for chemosynthetic microbes.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026
The county's medical examiner said the body was "severely decomposed" and deferred on making a ruling on how she died pending the death investigation.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
No matter what its original condition, the intense rain and heat of the forest have eroded its surface, washed out all its minerals, and decomposed vital organic compounds.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
The San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department also warned that decomposing fish could create health risks for people attempting to fish or boat in the area.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026
Photos and a video Aiello provided show bladed wire snaking around the decomposing animal’s neck and curved horns, as well as the front legs, in a desert landscape dotted with boulders.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026
Yet beneath the surface, billions of microbes are hard at work decomposing leaves, wood, and other organic matter.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 2, 2026
Before Jon Hallford was sentenced, he apologised in court and listened to family members describe having nightmares about their loved ones decomposing in his care.
From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026
He finally turned to her, grabbed the shirt, threw it to the side of the road, thick with decomposing leaf mold, and ground it in with his foot.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
Vocabulary lists containing decompose
"The Ravine," Vocabulary from the short story
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Can You Dig It? Words for Dirt and Soil
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Living in the Dark," Vocabulary from the science article
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
