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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Additionally, the commission rejected allegations related to security measures for the drop box, noting there were clear camera views of the drop box and adequate lighting illuminating the area surrounding it. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Other interventions that have proven to be effective in terms of safeguarding worker health include sufficient hydration and schedule adjustments that allow for adequate breaks during peak heat hours. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025 But how adequate or inadequate is that £500? Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025 When someone is not able to hear properly, the brain does not receive adequate information, according to Bossinas, who was also not part of the research. Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • The Padres might come to regret trading Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek, but another trade deadline acquisition, Freddy Fermin, has provided a decent upgrade at a position of glaring weakness.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One is the character of the factory owner, Baek Joo-sang, who has a very dark, hidden side to him, but who is also considered a good boss and decent person by the people around him.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Since its premiere in 2011, Downton Abbey has bid audiences adieu a few times — first, with its television finale after six seasons; then, over the course of two films, any one of which could have been a satisfactory conclusion for this cadre of characters.
    Mekishana Pierre September 11, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the golf course renovation was not satisfactory to many people, it was needed.
    Steven Franck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The extra point was good but there was a holding penalty on the Rebels.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After 10 tumultuous years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kadri delivered his best campaign with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, posting 89 points in the regular season and finishing by hoisting the Stanley Cup.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The sharp-yet-flexible points and buildable tint leave behind a trio of micro-fine strokes that, when brushed along your arches, blend seamlessly with your natural hairs.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Before all that happened, though, there was the eight-course dinner, which went totally fine as predicted.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To navigate emotional volatility, understand what behaviors are acceptable to you and create clear boundaries with the ones that are not.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Fortune reported in January that a substantial share of young people believe violence may be an acceptable form of change under certain circumstances.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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