Definition of decentnext
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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 But the layers were undeniable, and the butter was balanced by a decent bit of salt, which made this a rich but well-rounded biscuit. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 Seems like a decent little sprinkle given the Strait of Hormuz still ain't playing ball with us. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 That is all too rare these days, especially in the case of an apparently rootless individual who chose an unconventional yet outwardly decent lifestyle. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026 Long-range models suggest that the next decent rain chance will not arrive until at least the May 17-19 timeframe. Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Sullivan made a nice play on the ball and then twisted out of a tackle and ran 15 yards to the goal line.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Taylor Heinicke signed off on his NFL career Thursday evening, taking to social media to announce his retirement after an honorable seven-season career with five teams.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • The vast majority are honorable and conform their actions to the rules.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • After all, the key to a flawless beat is proper skincare application!
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
  • Sit down at a proper meal table (not your desk or the car), put your snack on a plate or in a bowl, and take a breath to center yourself before taking the first bite.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The sun and moon appear almost the same size in our sky by pure coincidence.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
  • Bubble Up has a more natural taste than many of its competitors because it’s made with pure cane sugar and lemon and lime oils, rather than high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, The Tasting Table reported.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • After about a year, the trees normally have sent out adequate roots to exist with seasonal rainfall or watering of nearby lawns and shrubs.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • The full closure is required to safely accommodate heavy equipment operations, provide adequate workspace for crews, and protect motorists.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • So there is no real secret behind the scenes—just to work, to be honest, to meet personally with the people, to look into their eyes.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • Stability grows through honest and thoughtful adjustments.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
  • My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.
    Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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