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

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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 Owners of The Grand, 1125 Grand Blvd, claim the parking lot’s owners have failed to provide adequate surveillance and security, and that their failure to do so has bred a hot spot for criminal activity. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025 There is a need for investment in autism services across the lifespan, ranging from adequate support in schools to job training for autistic adults. Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 Weather alerts in advance are important to alert people in the areas of any impacts and to give them enough time to make the adequate preparations. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 Provide plants with adequate protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent this problem. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • Artists and songwriters could earn a decent living with an album that sold even modestly.
    Roy Trakin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Fallah was productive on a decent Oregon State team, and Coleman was the leading scorer on a last-place Big East team.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • How many grafts does each zone need to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the eye?
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • If someone asks if arrangements are satisfactory?
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerzka and the others did their best to comfort them, to bandage small wounds; the most critically injured were already at the hospital.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But in one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt so far, Zubimendi quickly went about making a difference.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On one hand, CJ McCollum is a perfectly fine starting point guard.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • He was sentenced to serve seven days in a DUI education center and ordered to pay a $350 fine and court fees.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Seventy-nine percent said cash and gift cards are more acceptable today than in the past.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This behavior is legally acceptable in some towns and unclear or forbidden in others.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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