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
The group is currently working on a multi-use development with luxury apartments and parking decks in downtown Oswego, and has built units in communities like Geneva and Elburn, per its website. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 On deck for the Ducks is the draft (June 27 and 28), where Verbeek said that the No. 10 overall pick could be in play if the right trade were to present itself. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
Verb
From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary offers a convenient way to experience Europe’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025 Holiday Decor As soon as the holiday season hits, deck the display cabinet with seasonal decor. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
Noun
  • Built between 1822 and 1825 by architect John White Jr., the 8,600-square-foot abode is a masterclass in Georgian elegance, with a red-brick facade, tall sash windows, a fanlight entrance, and an ornamental balcony.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
  • Units have private balconies, 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops and more.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The 10-screen theater at the Village at San Antonio Center is decorated with robot toys, a wall of movie posters featuring robots and even has Dumbots, an upstairs lounge with a name inspired by some of the less-intelligent bots in movie history.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 21 June 2025
  • For instance, some people strive to buy second homes and then spend time decorating and furnishing these homes.
    Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Don’t shelter in unprotected open buildings, such as metal sheds, picnic pavilions, baseball dugouts and porches.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 June 2025
  • Fronted by a useful porch area, the tiny house also features a spacious interior layout that's arranged on one floor.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The hats’ modern shape take inspiration from the traditional Panama hat, updated and adorned with wide ribbons — a signature of the Sant Angelo brand.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
  • The living quarters center around a cloister courtyard that is lined with dramatic arched colonnades and adorned with a stone wishing well.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s an open grill, a garden terrace with just enough candlelight, and a menu best exemplified through its bluefin tuna tartare with raspberry & beetroot sorbet, blood orange, and ponzu sauce.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The stunning terrace, which wraps around most of the property and offers unobstructed views of the sea below.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Before me, a wide, glassy lake, its surface barely rippling, backed by mountains draped in purple mist.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve, the lake is known for its thriving rookery and towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.
    USA Today, USA Today, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • There had been rumors that Brown could be traded this offseason, as the Celtics continue to trim a significant amount of money off their books.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • The Pacers showed their trademark determination and never quit, trimming the deficit down to 10 points with two-and-a-half minutes left.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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