Saprophage is a term used to describe an organism that feeds on dead and decaying matter. Synonyms for this word include scavenger, decomposer, detritivore, and saprobe. Scavenger is commonly used to describe animals that feed on carcasses, while decomposer is often used to describe the organisms that break down dead plants and animals. A detritivore is an organism that feeds on dead organic matter, like bacteria, fungi, and worms. Saprobe, on the other hand, is used to describe a microbe that feeds on dead organic matter, particularly in soil or water. These synonyms all refer to the same ecological role of feeding on and breaking down dead matter in an ecosystem.