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 Signs Tomatoes Are Planted Too Close Together Unfortunately, not giving your tomato plants sufficient space will backfire sooner or later in the growing season. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 2026 The recent executions have drawn criticism from advocacy groups, including Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, which argues the governor has broad discretion over the timing and selection of executions without sufficient transparency or oversight. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Those are sufficient reasons alone to plan a trip, but the list is actually much longer. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 While her disappearance was determined to be suspicious at the time, a Josephine County Sheriff’s Office investigation did not result in sufficient evidence to pursue charges, the release states. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sufficient
Adjective
  • Passanisi assured them there would be adequate fencing.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Make sure new plant selections have adequate room to grow.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.
    Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And the rules governing acceptable care and safety measures become much less clear.
    Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Sunday-Best Attire Speaking of outfits, the Kentucky Derby isn’t the type of affair where ballcaps and T-shirts are acceptable attire.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Be sure to triple-check that the details are satisfactory before signing anything.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, many Korean exfoliators are designed to be more tolerable and easier to use consistently, which can translate into better long-term results for a lot of people.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The fabric is soft and stretchy with a pull-on waistband that makes long flights and train rides far more tolerable.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Judd, who seems a decent man, wants to know how Agnes would exemplify her wifely duties.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Robinson, 27, has been decent for the Knicks but not as effective as earlier in his career.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sufficient. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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