ADEQUATE Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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?

Q: 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

adequate

adjective

ˈa-di-kwət

Definition of adequate

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

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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

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 adequate According to project officials, the port lacks adequate rail links with all five of its terminals, including those under construction. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 After a cold winter, spring broke with high levels of rain that resulted in deep and adequate water tables needed to survive the dry hot summer. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 Nayi’s attorney, meanwhile, had argued probation was adequate. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said adequate compensation would need to be worked out, which could mean the city might have to pay out tens of millions of dollars. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adequate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate

Adjective

Tall Tales, the rooftop lounge, offers a few small bites, such as elote guacamole, along with a menu of cocktails, wine, beer, and a decent selection of nonalcoholic options.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
There should be a decent contingent of American cardinals and archbishops at the games.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

An uninterrupted trip Stoliker thinks chaos is not a satisfactory explanation for psychedelics’ effect on the brain.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026
After months of negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement, the union approved strike action earlier this month in a vote held in tandem with unions at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

Miami did a relatively fine job in Weeks 2 and 3 against some of the most talented backs in Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers and Kenneth Walker of the Chiefs but slipped up the two games prior to the bye against the Vikings and Bengals.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Mario Prada sourced fine leathers, silver, silk and crystal from Europe and beyond and these are on public display in Milan for the first time.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

Strikeouts have become more acceptable in baseball, but not in Florida.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
For now, however, an enormous gap remains between the conditions that Moscow and Kyiv deem minimally acceptable for even a temporary cease-fire.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of acceptable

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“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of adequate

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