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
• acceptable
• OK
• serviceable
• useful
• tolerable
• respectable
• passable
• suitable
• all right
• minimal
• fairish
• appropriate
• worthy
• up to snuff
• proper
• average
• agreeable
• standard
• bearable
• fair
• fitting
• correct
• mediocre
• satisfying
• ordinary
• middling
• common
• indifferent
• endurable
• meet
• due
• right
• sufferable
• so-so
• unexceptional
• run-of-the-mine
• second-rate
• gratifying
• 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
• bad
• indecent
• short
• shoddy
• poor
• faulty
• pitiful
• disreputable
• meager
• lamentable
• scanty
• spare
• 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
• dissatisfying
• wonderful
• prime
• divine
• premium
• terrific
• execrable
• wretched
• vile
• unmatched
• high-grade
• neat
• top
• matchless
• marvelous
• peerless
• stellar
• superlative
• first-rate
• noble
• classic
• keen
• grand
• unsurpassed
• heavenly
• fabulous
• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adequate

Noel Almario, 40, a birth doula, said the board has made incremental progress in fighting poverty, homelessness and providing adequate healthcare to those in need but is moving too slowly. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 29 May 2026

Some owners show their mettle for a spell, then find adequate reason to knuckle under; others have no intention of even pretending to do what is hard or what is right. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 29 May 2026

Zinc supplements are not a substitute for blood pressure medications and are unlikely to lower blood pressure in people with adequate zinc levels. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026

Ensure your coolant level is adequate, and the cooling system is functioning. —Danny Smith, USA Today, 29 May 2026