Definition of decentnext
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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

Example 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 Living in Port Orange, finding decent career options means traveling into Orlando. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 Laine interest There is a decent level of interest in pending UFA Patrik Laine, 28. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 34, will hope to guide some of the younger members of the squad to a decent finish in North America in what will likely be his final appearance on the global stage. Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Going after Siebel Newsom seems more like a forward-looking, preemptive strike targeting Newsom ahead of the 2028 election through every decent man’s Achilles’ heel, his family. Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • The rooms with bunk beds and lodges are especially nice for spreading out a bit, and are a quick walk from the main building hosting the restaurant and a beautiful library/lounge on the upper floor (yet another great Northern Lights spot).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But just something would have been nice.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.
    David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
  • Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a post shared to Instagram on June 16, TSA advised newfound fans on the proper way to transport ranch dressing, a quintessential American flavor some soccer fans are experiencing for the first time.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Honest, Houston In the proper hands, a chain restaurant is a glorious institution.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Couples who stay close over the long haul rarely run on pure self-sacrifice.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • What ensued was 90 minutes of pure sound.
    David Close, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keep the Mature Size of Dahlias in Mind Many dahlias, grown in fertile soil with adequate irrigation, will reach 4-5 feet tall or more, becoming very large plants.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026
  • Kit O'Doherty, founder of the nonprofit Partners in Animal Care & Compassion, claims the shelter has engaged in improper euthanasia practices, failed to provide adequate care for animals and retaliated against volunteers and advocates who raised concerns.
    Maddie White, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson just stopped Haiti's best opportunity to score all night, on a corner kick that found the head of Haiti's Ade and deflected backward on an angle directly into the goal.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • The Marlins improve to 38-38 and are an MLB-best 12-4 in June.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Now the top of the list is alignment, which is a polite word for influence.
    Julie Averill, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.
    Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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