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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 That said, recent series Virgins actually has some decent buzz for being kind to its four subjects, all adults who are still holding on to their V-cards. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025 Likewise, ensure that all Americans have decent healthcare. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 Jon Michael Hill and Harry Lennix of Purpose and Daniel Dae Kim of Yellow Face each have decent shots, while there isn’t quite enough good luck in New York City to hand the Tony to George Clooney. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 June 2025 But the Tar Heel state has a decent amount of talent this year, and UNC does not appear to be in position to take advantage of it. Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • That this wrap-up happens on the stoop of an apartment building provides a nice callback to Past Lives.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • In other words, this is very much a ROG Ally handheld PC but with some nice Xbox touches that will the overall experience feel more like playing an Xbox.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Quang enjoyed a successful pharmaceutical sales stint as a top producer for Astra/Merck and then Genentech.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Civil disobedience is honorable; violence is beyond the pale.
    David French, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The parliamentarian is the chamber's adviser on its proper rules and procedures.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • There could be a defense explaining it and somehow providing the proper framework for understanding it.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the truth, however, is that Emmanuel-Thomas, in pure sporting terms, has always been something of a puzzle.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Vionic Uptown Loafer The Vionic Uptown Loafers look like pure business on the upper, but the sole offers all the comfort and flexibility of a sneaker.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Testing Gap Enterprises are rushing to deployment without adequate testing.
    Victor Orlovski, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Because of the heat, sun exposure, and humidity (which increases sweating and ultimately strips the skin of moisture), getting an adequate amount of hydration in the summer is vital for healthy complexions.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • How can leaders conduct honest conversations without inspiring defensiveness, denial, or backlash?
    Lauren Howe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • One of those fans, apparently, is singer Ciara, who recently urged the Harlem artist to make Lampkin an honest women after running into the rapper in the BET Awards press room this weekend.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The woman's family later filed a lawsuit against Willet and his organization, questioning the circumstances surrounding her death and the legal and ethical oversight — or lack thereof — in her use of the pod, per the outlets.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Skills like empathy, cultural understanding and ethical decision-making can’t be replicated by algorithms.
    Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Showing empathy and being polite, even in frustrating situations, can help de-escalate potential conflicts.
    Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • Dishes are refined but never polite, taking all the risks Cornerstone didn’t have the backing to take.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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