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.

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

The idea was to reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills, where it emits greenhouse gases as it decomposes, a major factor contributing to climate change.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2025

Similar to oil drill sites, landfills have an extensive network of underground wells to extract gases produced when waste decomposes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2024

If these chemical reactions proceed uncontrollably, the electrolyte decomposes and reduces the battery's cycle life.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 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