deck 1 of 2

as in balcony
a flat roofless structure attached to a building the family usually ate on the deck on summer evenings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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deck

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deck different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of deck are adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish, garnish, and ornament. While all these words mean "to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential," deck implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness.

a house all decked out for Christmas

When can adorn be used instead of deck?

In some situations, the words adorn and deck are roughly equivalent. However, adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself.

a diamond necklace adorned her neck

How are the words beautify and embellish related as synonyms of deck?

Beautify adds to embellish a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness.

will beautify the grounds with flower beds

When could decorate be used to replace deck?

The meanings of decorate and deck largely overlap; however, decorate suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design.

decorate a birthday cake

When is embellish a more appropriate choice than deck?

The synonyms embellish and deck are sometimes interchangeable, but embellish often stresses the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament.

embellish a page with floral borders

Where would garnish be a reasonable alternative to deck?

While the synonyms garnish and deck are close in meaning, garnish suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food.

an entrée garnished with parsley

How do ornament and embellish relate to one another, in the sense of deck?

Both ornament and embellish imply the adding of something extraneous, ornament stressing the heightening or setting off of the original.

a white house ornamented with green shutters

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 deck
Noun
Passersby were few, and drivers trying to enter the deck slowed to peer at the eight patrol cars and dozens of officers before circling around the block. Julia Coin updated July 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025 Why the deck is stacked against Mayer News of Mayer’s presidential bid will be welcomed through the F1 paddock. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Verb
Unique Loom Outdoor Runner Rug Enhance your narrow balcony, porch, or deck with this runner that can complement multiple types of décor thanks to its minimalist design. Toni Sutton, People.com, 29 May 2025 On Monday, Paul decked Uso with his huge right hand and left the scene looking victorious. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
Noun
  • The tension between Brian and Zavier finally comes to a head in an emotional balcony scene.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The fourteen days are done, Jannik Sinner has made his Wimbledon balcony debut with the silver, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their two elder children brought the royal flush to anchor the courtside row of the Royal Box.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Her final Instagram post showed a towering pink and white birthday cake decorated with a carousel figurine topper.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The pioneer of the Little Black Dress offered plenty of those as well variations decorated in feathers.
    Ari Stark, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s a few reasons why shoes might be forgotten on the porch.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
  • Firefighters found the man’s body on the home’s front porch, Metro Fire Capt. Mark Nunez, a department spokesman, said in a release following the blaze.
    Darrell Smith July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Both pieces of the swimsuit were adorned with crystal embellishments.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • This is an excellent, strange little book that appeared in 2011 and had a profound impact on me, and apparently on Florence Welch who adorns the cover with a generous quote.
    Hattie Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Its rooftop terrace has a cocktail bar, menu, plunge pool and panoramic views of the city.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Modules can be arranged in creative formations, linked by decks, terraces or open pathways, making every Birdhouse unique to its setting.
    Adam Williams July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The soft, lightweight fabric is breathable and can offer a layer of sun protection when draped over your shoulders at the beach—or even double as a blanket for an impromptu picnic by the shore.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
  • Lena Dunham is sitting in bed, draped in a pink tulle gown fit for a princess, reading a book about torture.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Some might have trimmed guest lists — not for space, but to cut the grocery bill.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Jon Hart serape tour tote Whataburger's Jon Hart tour tote is stadium compliant in clear plastic, trimmed in all-natural leather and sporting serape webbing handles.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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