1
2
3
4
5
as in adequate
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards he did a decent job on the project, but there's still room for improvement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word decent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of decent are chaste, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

When is chaste a more appropriate choice than decent?

The meanings of chaste and decent largely overlap; however, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How do pure and chaste relate to one another, in the sense of decent?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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 decent When Jon Stewart left The Daily Show in August 2015, his final episode and its lead-up helped Comedy Central to some pretty decent numbers for the man who arguably changed the state of late-night. Peter White, Deadline, 14 July 2025 There's a decent chance this becomes a surprisingly capable machine by Christmas, and the robot arm proves much more than a gimmick. Loz Blain july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025 Key features: Surprisingly good Bluetooth speaker, bright lights, sleep timer, customizable, rotation, decent projection surface, Prime Day deal. Alexander Cox, Space.com, 11 July 2025 Portability is also a big draw here, with a total weight of just 3.2 pounds, and battery life is decent. PC Magazine, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Roth, the president of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, has taken the harder and more honorable route.
    John T. Shaw, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Our leadership spends its time implying anyone with origins south of our border is less than honorable and must be deported regardless of their contributions, just to feel powerful.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Women being dismissed by their healthcare providers is another culprit, says Tran, and without proper exams and X-rays, the disease goes undetected.
    Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
  • People come back from proper breaks with more energy, better ideas, and fewer signs of burnout.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • This remains pure conjecture, and an exaggeration of the role of symbiosis beyond what mainstream evolutionary theory would support; random mutation is still considered the main driver of speciation.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Cam, 40, inhabits a space similar to Brandi Carlile, her appealing songs making their point in a pure, expressive voice.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, other people who lived in the area said their wireless coverage was adequate and did not think constructing a new tower was necessary.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • For minimalists, a smaller organizer will be adequate and less obtrusive.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The production noted how the work has continued to resonate with readers over the past decade, for its honest depiction of trauma recovery and the power of self-empowerment and love.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Judges must prepare to spot obvious AI red flags Until courts figure out how to navigate AI—a process that may look different from court to court—Browning advocates for more education and ethical guidance for judges to steer their use and attitudes about AI.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
  • Similarly, the ethical OM Project line from 1997 and 1998 was forward-looking.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Just be polite and point out the issue at checkout.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
  • From a software engineering perspective, being polite is a waste of resources.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on decent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!