decent

adjective

de·cent | \ ˈdē-sᵊnt

Definition of decent

1 archaic

a : appropriate

b : well-formed : handsome

2a : conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality decent behavior

b : modestly clothed

3 : free from immodesty or obscenity decent language

4 : fairly good : adequate, satisfactory decent wages

5 : marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill hard-working and decent folks it's very decent of them to help

Other Words from decent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about decent

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Choose the Right Synonym for decent

chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. 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 pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. the pure of heart 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

Examples of decent in a Sentence

Not long afterward, his father's health starts to fail. Mrs. Queenan has kicked him out, and he's landed in a flophouse. When word reaches Joe, he takes out his checkbook and moves his father into a decent apartment. — James McManus, New York Times Book Review, 26 Apr. 2009 In a whiney, rambling speech at his sentencing he took a page from the script of the earlier case, once again portraying himself as a flawed but decent man unfairly caught up in circumstances. — Bill Hewitt et al., People, 22 Dec. 2008 Tommy Railles, the doctor's boy. Just a great kid. Smart at school, a decent athlete, great with the girls, wonderful with older people. — Ward Just, Forgetfulness, (2006) 2007 The next time an overly friendly blond sidles up in a crowded bar and asks you to order her a brand-name martini, or a cheery tourist couple wonder whether you can take their picture with their sleek new camera-in-a-cell phone, you might want to think twice. There's a decent chance that these strangers are pitchmen in disguise, paid to oh-so-subtly pique your interest in their product. — Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004 I don't understand how so decent a person could be involved with this kind of crime. He is a decent guy who would help anyone in need. You need to do the decent thing and tell her what happened. Are there any decent schools in that area? I've got to get some decent clothes.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is a decent chance that issuing an ultimatum will actually make things worse. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "5 Helpful Things to Say to a Friend Who Self-Harms (and 3 to Avoid)," 1 Mar. 2019 There’s also a decent chance that the Wide Field Camera can be repaired. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "The Hubble Is Malfunctioning, Again," 10 Jan. 2019 Likewise, Sharp Objects is believed to have a decent chance at winning. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "See if Your 2019 Golden Globe Predictions Match Up With the Projected Winners," 5 Jan. 2019 But both companies have a decent amount of runway to build up a customer base while Tesla brings its cheaper electric SUV into production. — Sean O'kane, The Verge, "Tesla’s competition for the Model Y is growing quickly in China," 21 Dec. 2018 Alienware's m15 is just the latest to get the Biggest Loser makeover, while maintaining a decent amount of gaming cred. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Hands on with Alienware m15: The thinnest 15-inch Alienware laptop ever made," 4 Oct. 2018 Selena faced a decent amount of criticism for her participation in Allen's film — especially since Dylan Farrow's allegations against her adoptive father have been in the public eye for many years. — Devon Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Selena Gomez's New Film Might Actually Never Be Released," 30 Aug. 2018 Obviously, Davidson is a public figure and should expect a decent amount of commentary about his life and choices. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Pete Davidson Can Do Whatever He Wants With His Late Father's Pendant," 17 July 2018 Some 15% of New Jersey residents said Mr. Booker has a decent shot at becoming president, while only 7% said the same thing about Mr. Christie in May 2015. — Joseph De Avila, WSJ, "Sen. Booker’s Presidential Run Leaves New Jersey Lukewarm, Poll Says," 14 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.