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

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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 Cabanas neighborhood is ideal for guests with a penchant for contemporary style and those who prefer to be near the pool, sun deck, or beach. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026 Previous renderings also showed a bathroom, rear master bedroom, extra sleeping area courtesy of fold-out sofa beds, and an outdoor deck right next to the slide-out. New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
Art fans should save time for Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street, Zagar’s immersive indoor-outdoor mosaic space decked with tile, glass, mirrors, and found objects. Regan Stephens, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025 One is of Hyland striking an elegant pose in a voluminous purple dress decked in glitter and rhinestones. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
Noun
  • The woman allegedly burned the clothes in a barbecue pit on an apartment balcony in Sheldon, Texas, the Harris County Fire Marshal said in a statement.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Growing herbs in containers outdoors is easy, and can be done in small spaces like on a deck or balcony.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Guests will appreciate the elegant suites and villas, decorated in soothing greens, blues and purples to evoke feelings of calm.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Taking advantage of Crocs’ popular personalization element, his shoes were decorated with Jibbitz charms.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And outdoor living spaces such as porches, patios and courtyards will help expand interior spaces, even in colder climates.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Two red rocking chairs sit on their porch, perches for two black cats.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The celebration is necessary, considering HomeGoods conducted a survey that found 63 percent of people (among 1,000 early decorators and 500 non-early decorators) believe adorning your space early invites judgment.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The facade is adorned with the brand’s signature cannage pattern, while inside there is Versailles parquet flooring similar to the Dior flagship at 30 Montaigne, the house’s historic address.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Expansive windows frame the rows of grapes like living artwork, while terraces, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces invite residents to linger, glass in hand, taking in the sunset over the hills.
    Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Best Restaurants Dexter's Restaurant Enjoy water views and dishes crafted by talented local chef Dexter Burris from his expansive terrace.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Made from recycled polyester and spandex, the crepe fabric has a waterfall effect that drapes oh-so-perfectly from the waist down.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Zaful Women’s Sweater This tunic has drop shoulders and a side-split hem that drapes nicely over leggings for casual outings or dress pants for office days.
    Cheryl Wagemann, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Fears aired an alley-oop dunk to forward Carson Cooper on the next play, the first score of the second half, to trim Arkansas’ lead to 39-38.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The key is to fold the scarf over itself to create volume and to look for a lace trim that leaves the hem frayed, so as not to look too formal.
    Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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