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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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 Miller is a decent practice squad option, but hopefully the Dolphins can find better on the open market. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 There is a decent chance the winner of the American League West could finish with a losing record, which would be a first in MLB history, 110 percent awesome, and worthy of its own banner. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 The keys aren’t as firm or satisfying as those on the keyboards in the MacBook lineup or in Framework’s Laptop 12 or Laptop 13, but the typing feel is decent, and the backlight is nice and even. — ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026 Troy will undoubtedly put up a fight as one of the better Group of Five teams in the country, but the Tigers should have a decent understanding of their play by this game. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent

Adjective

Today’s recipe Chef David Tanis’ recipe for Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad With Bitter Lettuces has a nice combination of sweet and bitter.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Eldridge made a nice play to catch that ball, make a throw and get it out.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

That work is, in my opinion, as honorable as being a midwife or the kind of doula who helps deliver babies.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
My time in the ministry was filled with hundreds of friendships of men and women of all faiths who were faith-filled and honorable.

— Chick Pritchard, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of honorable

Adjective

In an Early Childhood classroom, this might include children hanging up their belongings, cleaning a spill, returning work to its proper location, and helping care for plants, animals, or the classroom.

— Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Most routine claims in Louisville, though, center on proper documentation and clear medical evidence rather than extraordinary employer actions.

— Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of proper

Adjective

Members also flagged strong anticipation from North American press and said a Netflix awards team is preparing a campaign for the film that extends to a best picture push.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
These seven hotels and experiences are for the active voyager who is never too far from their golf clubs, knows where all the best tennis courts are and is always game for a new sport.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

Attracting and training game officials, to be honest, isn’t the job of the CIF office but of the various regional officials associations that assign them.

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
Set in 2009, the film follows two TV reporters forced into a dirty election campaign for a pro-Russian candidate who struggle to stay honest with their work and the people.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

In Berkeley, where California clay culture yanked ceramics out of the category of polite craft and into something huge, physical, ugly, and beautiful, Heilmann learned to weld.

— Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Bukele’s manner is polite but imperious, slow to bestow approval.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of polite

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decency

decent

decently

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“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of decent

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