sufficient

Definition of sufficientnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sufficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sufficient are adequate, competent, and enough. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

When might adequate be a better fit than sufficient?

The synonyms adequate and sufficient are sometimes interchangeable, but adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

Where would competent be a reasonable alternative to sufficient?

Although the words competent and sufficient have much in common, competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.

had no competent notion of what was going on

How are the words enough and sufficient related?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

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 sufficient With a sufficient amount of that data and new AI methods, robots can be far more performant than ever before. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, the skilled tradespeople needed to build the data centers that will run those AI systems simply don’t exist in sufficient numbers. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 Rodriguez dismissed the case on Monday, writing in his order that the production artists' claims that the several shows Cardi B played in Texas were not sufficient evidence for the claim to be filed in the state, according to the outlets. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 Mitchell also pointed to that clause when asked about pursuing charges related to the lawsuit and whether existing law was sufficient. Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sufficient
Adjective
  • Side sleepers require pressure relief around pinch points (shoulders and hips) and adequate support to maintain good spinal alignment, so Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses are best.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Rickon said that at 70 pounds, Slim Shady was undersized and likely hadn’t had adequate space for his habitat to this time.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Coupled with a significant degradation of Iranian military power, something already underway, these objectives would constitute an acceptable end to the war.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Smaller churches, synagogues and mosques are open in Jerusalem’s Old City if they are located within a certain distance of a bomb shelter deemed acceptable by Israel’s military and if gatherings are kept under 50 people.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Privately, some writers walking the staff picket line still had faith in WGAW management to negotiate a satisfactory deal with the AMPTP amid the drama.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Safety, satisfactory customer service, and ensuring riders feel secure are best achieved by maintaining — and even increasing — staffing in transit systems.
    John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each individual increase feels tolerable – annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
  • When to see a doctor Usually, gastrointestinal side effects are tolerable and can improve with simple remedies, says Johns.
    Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But there were a few decent ones.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
  • That’s because this winter brought decent rain and the three years prior were wet, too.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sufficient. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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