Synonyms of adequate

adequate

adjective

ˈa-di-kwət 

as in decent

of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards

this old computer is probably adequate if you just want to type a term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decent
• satisfactory
• good
• fine
• okay
• acceptable
• OK
• serviceable
• useful
• tolerable
• respectable
• passable
• suitable
• all right
• minimal
• fairish
• appropriate
• worthy
• up to snuff
• proper
• average
• agreeable
• standard
• bearable
• fair
• fitting
• mediocre
• satisfying
• ordinary
• correct
• middling
• common
• indifferent
• endurable
• meet
• due
• right
• sufferable
• so-so
• unexceptional
• run-of-the-mine
• second-rate
• gratifying
• run-of-mine
• seemly
• run-of-the-mill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insufficient
• inadequate
• lacking
• unsatisfactory
• deficient
• unacceptable
• improper
• wanting
• useless
• wrong
• unsuitable
• insufficient
• objectionable
• unworthy
• unfit
• incomplete
• defective
• imperfect
• disagreeable
• cheap
• indecent
• bad
• shoddy
• short
• poor
• faulty
• pitiful
• disreputable
• meager
• lamentable
• scanty
• spare
• meagre
• skimpy
• mean
• shabby
• optimal
• special
• maximum
• intolerable
• optimum
• stingy
• unbearable
• miserly
• great
• exceptional
• extreme
• unendurable
• superior
• supreme
• atrocious
• insufferable
• unparalleled
• first-class
• miserable
• fancy
• exquisite
• superb
• splendid
• wonderful
• dissatisfying
• prime
• divine
• premium
• terrific
• execrable
• wretched
• vile
• unmatched
• high-grade
• neat
• matchless
• top
• marvelous
• peerless
• stellar
• superlative
• first-rate
• noble
• classic
• marvellous
• keen
• grand
• unsurpassed
• heavenly
• fabulous
• niggardly
• sensational
• capital
• par excellence
• banner
• sterling
• preeminent
• swell
• dandy
• nifty
• A1
• maximized
• supernal
• boss
• top-notch
• groovy
• tip-top
• crackerjack
• bang-up
• jim-dandy

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adequate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adequate are competent, enough, and sufficient. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

When could competent be used to replace adequate?

The words competent and adequate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.

had no competent notion of what was going on

How are the words enough and sufficient related as synonyms of adequate?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

When would sufficient be a good substitute for adequate?

Although the words sufficient and adequate have much in common, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

Examples of adequate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best way to get an adequate amount of fiber is to consume as much fiber as possible every day. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2024

In his lawsuit, Navarro said Outfest did not take his concerns seriously enough or conduct an adequate investigation. —Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

Keep adequate airflow by removing the canister and using soapy water to wash it in a sink. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

For special clinical situations that healthcare providers use normal saline for convenience—such as wound irrigation for contaminated wounds, or eye flushes for various chemical exposures—substitution of clean or sterile water is adequate and safe according to Augustine. —Robert Glatter, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024