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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Anyone who can last in the difficult industry will reap a comfortable six-figure salary and have decent job security. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025 Brayan Bello was solid and Lucas Giolito ended up having a decent year. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 There’s also low battery alerts, the ability to add multiple devices, a decent FAQ, and other support features like a Power Estimate Calculator available in the app. New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2025 With the Lowell Mill textile operatives and their 1834 and 1836 strikes for fair treatment and decent wages. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But while that attempt to shield his team may be honorable, the reality is that the Miami back line has let him down on too many occasions this season.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mason is an honorable man who has fallen on hard times and is desperately trying to keep from losing the family ranch.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rogers police sent out a news release Thursday about Act 557 of 2025, which allows people get their money back from the kiosks if people follow the proper procedures.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Equipment is not maintained in good repair or does not allow for proper adjustment (Condensation build-up inside of reach-in cooler).
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Russell’s performance was a beam of pure light, burning off any condescension.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • And while the Picoult engages a tougher subject (a school shooting and its fallout), the other three titles in this crop are pure romantasy.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the report concludes that nearly half the world’s population is being denied adequate food, a healthy environment or decent work in the food system.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With an adequate amount of vitamin D, good sun protection, a fewer step routine and better eating habits, the glow is continuous.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anonymity also allows the scouts to be completely honest, without fear of reprisals.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, the Times responded by affirming a commitment to honest dialogue and mutual respect among colleagues.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Moral injury refers to the psychological and emotional wounds that occur when one witnesses events that violate their moral and ethical beliefs.
    Sarah Stella, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
  • And there are also a ton of other friendly, ethical, and decent hunters who are getting after it — just like you.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Always speaking calmly with a polite smile and a distinct Italian accent, Bassetti could easily be described as an iron fist in a velvet glove.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The rather polite 47-year-old Englishman remained transfixed on the massive video board down the hill.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decent

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