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 The bedroom fits a king and has a decent-size closet (there are two others in the common spaces, including a walk-in). Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 Apr. 2026 If, for some reason, the Patriots can’t land an edge defender on Day 1 or 2 of the draft, there are still some decent veteran options available on the open market like Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa and Denico Autry, but the Patriots prefer to draft and develop. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 The Michigan product stands 6-foot-4 and had a decent season in 2025, with 588 receiving yards in 13 games. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 Chows can live for a decent length of time, too, anywhere from 8 to 12 years for this mid-size breed. Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • North Texas will see a nice break from any rain before chances quickly return late Friday to Saturday.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Jacob Wilson hit a two-run single and made a nice defensive play at shortstop, helping the Athletics to a 2-1 win over Texas on Tuesday night that ended a seven-game losing streak against the Rangers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, Nolte returned to Raytown to begin a career as an electrician.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Why did the Pentagon, for no plausible reason other than animus, expel trans service members after years of honorable service?
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hot sleepers know the feeling of tossing, turning, and sweating through too-warm bedding especially well, but the proper seasonal bedding can eliminate this issue.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Everyone needs a release for life’s many frustrations; its just a matter of finding the proper outlet, before things get out of hand.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Sitting at a baby grand piano, Mars prompted swoons with his delivery of the lyrics, his pure voice holding notes with the same muscularity as early in the show.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Several viable sites were dismissed prematurely or without adequate analysis.
    Charles Rilli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Prolonged blackouts have draped the island and hospitals struggle with providing adequate care.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lemon Poppyseed Muffins Trader Joe’s muffins have a good reputation—and for good reason.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
  • And the rigmarole of international travel is a very good reason.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With the intuitive Moon in your sign, your 1st House of Perception asks for honest self-expression without overthinking.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
  • More astute attention to character development, and more honest portrayals of how most of us really live.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Remember to keep your communication polite and to the point.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Your detailed paper trail, photos and polite escalation to a company executive should all work in your favor.
    Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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