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 Those lacking good medical literacy and adequate time and resources to devote to managing their disease continued to struggle. Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 The Knicks also have adequate depth now, especially in the backcourt, where newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon are expected to give them a lift offensively. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 To prevent constipation, experts generally recommend adequate fluid intake and exercise as well as a high-fiber diet. Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Safety rules would also include mandating compliance with traffic laws and traffic control devices, limiting riding to sidewalks, bike trails, pathways and roadways, and requiring e-bikes to keep adequate distance from, and yield to, pedestrians and equestrians. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • Newcastle’s Under-18s are third in their league which, on the face of it, looks decent, but winning is not everything.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • There's some decent rain chances the rest of the week, so keep an umbrella handy.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, the sound quality is comparable to that of a basic Bluetooth speaker—more than satisfactory for an AIO PC.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
  • According to a poll conducted by the company, eight out of 10 users were happy with the experience, while another one in five described it as satisfactory.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Elite-level play from the man who retained his crown as the finest running back in the land Sunday.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Teams usually give veterans a chance to get into the lineup, but the roster crunch is here now, and risking waivers on Lazar is probably an acceptable risk.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Moderate — air quality is acceptable.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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