deck 1 of 2

Definition of decknext
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
That’s way more equitable than decking because not everyone has a yard, let alone a space to put up a deck. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026 At Port de Javel Bas in Paris, the top deck provided a great viewing platform from which to watch the Eiffel Tower light up in the evening. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Verb
There are Dutch football super-fans decked in orange. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026 Around this time of year, the Celebrate Osuna event would typically bring Rancho Santa Fe Association members together at the Osuna Ranch decked out in cowboy hats and boots for pony rides, rodeo games and a barbecue to commemorate an important piece of Rancho Santa Fe’s history. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
Noun
  • All are available as ground-floor garden units (timber floors; a king-size bed centered on doors opening onto a private terrace and garden) or upstairs (mirrored in layout but with plush carpets and four-poster beds; views of the surrounding gardens and distant mountains from Juliet balconies).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • Opie photographed images in that show from the balcony of her Hollywood high-rise.
    Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • According to a 2025 Ipsos survey, 36% of US Temu consumers use the platform to decorate their homes or offices.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 May 2026
  • One of those efforts is decorating hospital rooms through the nonprofit Wish Upon a Teen, which has since named Nancy Sovran its executive director.
    Julia Avant, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Deputies responded to the 30700 block of 165th Street East and found Grillmair on the porch with a fatal gunshot wound.
    Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 26 May 2026
  • One evening, while enjoying a cigar on her porch in California, she was inspired to attempt the same, but with American whiskey.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Greta Lee is gorgeous in a crimson dress adorned with white stars at the Toy Story 5 UK launch event on May 28 in London.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • On request, Dawson then takes out more goodies from the bag, each boot adorned in a unique design that makes the otherwise plain white shoes pop with an authentic flash of personality.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Wraparound terraces expand the living space, while a sculptural wood-and-glass spiral staircase leads to a rooftop retreat complete with an infinity-edge pool, lounge areas, and a summer kitchen.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 May 2026
  • On the bottom floor are the living, dining, and kitchen areas, plus a private outdoor terrace.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Lines of cars inch forward with flags draped from windows, their horns blaring in rhythm with rousing chants.
    Radier Odhiambo, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2026
  • With a simple pair of black flats and a light sweater draped over her shoulders, her light blue satin slip dress ceases to be reserved for special occasions.
    Michel Mejía, Glamour, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Also, give windows a fighting chance by removing loose objects from your yard and trimming trees — the latter, ideally before hurricane season begins June 1 and not the day of a tropical storm warning.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
  • The most capable 2026 Ford Maverick trim in terms of off-roading prowess is the Maverick Tremor.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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