DECENT Synonyms: 353 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'decent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of decent are chaste , modest , and pure . While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity. // preferred more modest swimsuits // decent people didn't go to such movies

Q: When is 'chaste' a more appropriate choice than 'decent'?

The meanings of chaste and decent largely overlap; however, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows. // they maintained chaste relations

Q: How do 'pure' and 'chaste' relate to one another, in the sense of 'decent'?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. // the pure of heart

decent

adjective

ˈdē-sᵊnt

Definition of decent next

as in nice

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue as decent and kind a couple as you could ever hope to meet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honorable

following the accepted rules of moral conduct demanded nothing less than decent behavior by the troops serving overseas

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as in proper

following the established traditions of refined society and good taste decent clothing for someone attending a funeral, if only as a friend of a friend

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as in pure

free from any trace of the coarse or indecent students were warned that their skits could be funny but still had to remain decent

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as in adequate

of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards he did a decent job on the project, but there's still room for improvement

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word decent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of decent are chaste, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits

decent people didn't go to such movies

When is chaste a more appropriate choice than decent?

The meanings of chaste and decent largely overlap; however, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How do pure and chaste relate to one another, in the sense of decent?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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 decent Kayla Kitson, a senior analyst at the California Budget and Policy Center, said the measure has a decent chance of winning support among moderate Democrats due to the state’s budgetary woes. —

Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 In addition, China has decent relationships with many states that are rivals of Iran, for example Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and even Israel. —

Lyle Goldstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 The Packers did not tender Wilson as a restricted free agent despite the soon-to-be 27-year-old running back giving them decent reps as Josh Jacobs’ backup last season. —

Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026 The system is a conspiracy against your chance at a decent life. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent

Adjective

Of the 32 rooms, 12 are suites, and the remaining are superior double rooms, so all are a nice size.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
This one also had a nice fresh scent that wasn’t overpowering (which can sometimes happen when all your curl-routine products are fragrant).

— Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of nice

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decency

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“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 22 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of decent

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