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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 Consumer spending softened, increasing 1.8%, down from a 4% rise in the fourth quarter, but a decent performance in light of stock market turmoil and poor weather early in the quarter. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 1 May 2025 So there’s a decent chance affected customers already ate the salad. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 Her one condition: Ellie has to leave her Chuck Taylors behind and wear some decent boots instead. Outside the gate, Ellie learns the identity of the ally who’s been helping Dina with supplies: Seth. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 The former Washington Husky has had a decent start to his 2025 season. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Take the cake out of the equation and address his actions, which, on that day, were less than honorable.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Naturally, the honorable scout leader is horrified by what’s happening to him.
    Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By the later seasons, the familiar of the house Guillermo (played by the delightful Harvey Guillén) gives us a proper Gay Storyline™ that will really tear your heartstrings.
    James Factora, Them., 2 May 2025
  • The short version is: With proper seasoning, carbon steel is essentially nonstick.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Foster Carling House While Remick may be fumbling his Hollywood comeback, his home is pure architectural triumph.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Blackberry Smoke is just a kick-ass band that’s been doing it the right way, the honest way, the hard way, the pure way, for a very long time.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Vitamin D Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels promotes healthy aging.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
  • Original price: $99.99 The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser includes pulse-modulation technology to remove plaque and enhance gum stimulation for adequate improved circulation.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The families who manage this best are the ones who acknowledge it openly, and make space for honest conversations.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • But that was less Counsell putting Brown on notice about his spot in the rotation and more so just being honest.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, that price reflects the cost of ethical production.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Some question whether the interest in crime content is ethical, but Golub said there are a lot of different reasons people are interested.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Under the guise of polite party banter, the two trade barbs, each speaking on behalf of their respective cause.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 2025
  • To many observers, Modi’s success stemmed from his willingness to play on profound resentments, which for decades had been considered offensive to voice in polite society.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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