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 Deer Valley is a great place to begin (or restart) your skiing career, as there’s a decent amount of beginner-friendly terrain. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026 Is there a decent room service menu? Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 Jeep satisfies your typical consumer who is looking for a usable SUV with a decent price point. Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026 Conflict rages over resources, but people are, for the most part, decent. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • Mission Trails is a great place to go for a nice little hike or a beautiful little walk.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Kitchen Lux Ribbed Drinking Glasses, Set of 6 These ribbed glasses are made to handle daily use while still looking nice enough to set out when guests come over.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Rickman played Colonel Brandon, the quiet, honorable, older man who falls in love with one of the Dashwood daughters, Marianne (Kate Winslet), competing for her heart against the secretly scandalous John Willoughby (Greg Wise).
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Without proper hydration, fibermaxxing can cause constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating and gas, Syn said.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Yet the first episode drags on a bit, laying a ton of groundwork and backstory before the proper investigation begins.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production.
    Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power.
    Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The government, in its brief and in court, argued that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has the authority to terminate any parole program and gave adequate notice by publishing the termination in the federal registry.
    Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • As the United States established dominance on the world stage, the White House grounds changed dramatically, with major expansions to prevent overcrowding and afford the first family and their staff adequate office space on the maximum-security property.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the first half, the defensive activity and competitive spirit were far better against the league’s best team, a night after Miami came up woefully short in both of those areas against the league’s worst team.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Despite being given three power plays in the first, the B’s were not good at all on the man advantage.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharing the video felt like a way to acknowledge that reality in an honest way.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Most Americans are good, honest, hardworking Americans who want to make their country a better place.
    Tony Dokoupil, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Among her trio of old friends on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Kate is the polite peacekeeper.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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