1
2
3
4
5
as in adequate
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards he did a decent job on the project, but there's still room for improvement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word decent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of decent are chaste, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

When is chaste a more appropriate choice than decent?

The meanings of chaste and decent largely overlap; however, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How do pure and chaste relate to one another, in the sense of decent?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

Examples Sentences

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 decent Aerial battle: Utah has a decent pass D, allowing 175 yards per game, which is second in the Big 12 and 18th nationally. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024 Plus, the Fit Pro is water-resistant (IPX4) and provides decent battery life. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 While its mono sound is decent, the lack of physical playback controls and auxiliary input might be limiting for some users. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Jazz voters recently flexing their muscles in the generals, with awards for Jon Batiste and Samara Joy, means André could have a decent chance at a second AOTY trophy. Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • The Panthers defense should provide a nice opportunity for a big game.
    Andy Scholes, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Build your authority on LinkedIn: strategies from leading coaches Share client transformations with meaning Stories are nice, but including client wins inspires action.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Would Adams have preferred a deeply dishonorable man in the White House over an honorable woman?
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Petty didn’t back down and MCA changed their plans, enshrining his reputation as an honorable guy who cared more about his fans than his own bottom line.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • To ensure proper data management, training on data collection, entry and analysis needs to be an integral part of quarterly or semiannual performance reviews.
    Robert Clark, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • But not having proper documentation can bring serious consequences.
    Trisha Mukherjee, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Mack doesn’t put on his helmet and pads, but that doesn’t mean the day is one of pure relaxation.
    Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said with recent staff increases at the 911 call center, there should be adequate staffing during the arctic blast unless weather conditions make travel challenging.
    Skye Seipp, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Children are living in tents without adequate access to safe water, sanitation or adequate protection from the elements.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stick to transparent, honest consent methods that respect users and ensure compliance.
    Ian Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Simard: Some of it is just combined with comedy in general, to be honest.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Second, most congressional Republicans have abandoned ethical norms.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The Supreme Court’s deference to FDR during World War II resulted in unjustifiable ethical breaches, but its new code of conduct has not resolved the question of when a justice should be disqualified from a case.
    Jed S. Rakoff, The New York Review of Books, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Craft a comprehensive script of polite yet firm responses for declining holiday invitations or managing family expectations without guilt.
    Tor Constantino, MBA, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Does Miss Manners have a suggestion for a polite way of indicating that, since they couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge the first gift, subsequent gifts should not be solicited?
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near decent

Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on decent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!