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
Officials plan to rehabilitate the bridge by replacing the entire deck and its seismic sensors. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 Scientists and engineers there build household structures — from decks to sheds to single family homes — and subject them to literal trials by fire, hail, and hurricane force wind. — Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
The building is decked in yellow and green accents and murals. — Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 Taylor Swift decked herself in nearly 35 carats of diamonds at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 27 in Los Angeles. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
Noun
  • Eyes wander up to see the mezzanine balcony, which houses new hotel fitness center, meeting rooms and a member lounge.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, watched the ceremony from the balcony of the Foreign Office, as is customary.
    — Amaia Odriozola, Vanity Fair, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • At Albany Park’s Bon Vivant Cakes, holiday decorating classes include a Christmas in Copenhagen cookie workshop, Funky Tree cake workshop, and Vintage Christmas cake workshop.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, the brand also offers helpful guides like gallery wall decorating tips and an array of free, downloadable art to make the process feel less daunting.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • No more than six people could occupy this porch while seated.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Outside, stone walls, winding walkways and lush gardens gave the property a rustic, English country feel, as did the porch and relaxed atmosphere.
    — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • For a comfy, layered look, try mixing and matching with this grosgrain-trim version or this stunning pick adorned with an embroidered Christmas tree.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Moroccan flags fluttered in schoolchildren’s hands, portraits of King Mohammed VI overlooked roundabouts and public squares, and the national coat of arms adorned major boulevards.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Outside, mature landscaping, multiple terraces, and a 25-by-50-foot gunite swimming pool spread across the grounds.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The modern four-bedroom has high ceilings, a steel-and-oak staircase, and an eat-in Gaggenau kitchen, plus a library, bar, den, and second-floor terrace.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Live oaks draped in Spanish moss hover above Victorian sculptures and timeworn tombstones belonging to famous figures such as John Muir.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Returning home with the glittering medal draped on his neck, Cassius is lauded but also thrust right back into the oppressive, segregated and deeply racist Louisville.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Health insurers have grappled with elevated medical costs in recent years as consumers increased their ​use of healthcare services, prompting companies to raise premiums, trim benefits and exit less profitable plans.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2026
  • From Christmas cocktails and tree-trimming ideas to gift wrapping, recipes, and musical moments, each segment adds warmth, fun, and fresh inspiration.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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