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

Relevance

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 The morning after, the mood in the Lower Galilee town was somber, compounded by anger over a lack of adequate bomb shelters, an issue that Palestinian citizens of Israel have long warned was a glaring inequality that exists throughout their communities. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 16 June 2025 The button feel is adequate, though slightly shallow. PC Magazine, 15 June 2025 Organic matter can retain soil moisture and provide adequate drainage. Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 However, when used without strength training or adequate protein intake, GLP-1 use can lead to significant muscle loss—and unintended health consequences. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • Fields had a decent season with the Steelers, going 4-2 before he was replaced by Russell Wilson.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Building a high-functioning AI agent isn’t cheap: from $5,000 at the low end to upwards of $20,000 just to get something decent off the ground.
    Brando Murphy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • To begin with, bombardment is unlikely to lead to a satisfactory outcome.
    Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
  • At highway cruising speed, the SUV is satisfactory.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • By constantly rethinking how the world functions and how best to protect the natural environment, Lombard Odier IM has positioned itself as a guide for achieving long-term, sustainable growth.
    Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Within that world, the film will follow other characters, including a younger player struggling to juggle soccer and her day job, and Shirley’s rival, the daughter of a famous player trying her best to reconcile her feelings for a teammate.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • All accommodations come with thoughtful touches like elevated mini-bar fare, Bellino fine linens, and plush, jewel-toned furniture.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Chrissy Teigan to Ari Lennox have been spotted wearing bralettes as shirts, making this a perfectly acceptable garment to wear under a crochet dress.
    Bianca Lambert, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Others in the comment section sided with Tallulah and argued that her photos of her father are acceptable.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adequate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!