deck 1 of 2

noun

ˈdek How to pronounce deck (audio)
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

2 of 2

verb

as in to decorate
to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming deck the halls with boughs of holly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
These tunnels can be found in trees, picnic tables, decks or even on your porch. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025 Use it by the pool, on the deck, porch, or terrace. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Jenner purchased her current home in 2020 and fully let loose in decking it out with colorful art and eclectic furnishings. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025 Black and white cheetah prints decked skirts with a front slit trimmed in aquamarine feathers which also snaked around the lapels of a fiery red woolen coat. —WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deck
  1. balcony
  2. decorate
  3. porch
  4. adorn
  5. terrace
  6. drape
  7. trim
Noun
  • Photo : Andrew Orozco/Open House A moutain-view balcony off the bedroom.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The dining area opens onto a balcony overlooking Piazza San Babila.
    — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of balcony
Verb
  • The cake, decorated with mini eggs in pink, blue and purple, looks good enough to eat.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • With a light and fluffy texture, these are ideal for topping, decorating and spreading on baked goods.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of decorate
Noun
  • Nor is there much of the more physical kind, despite myriad stunt personnel cascading off porches and second-story balconies with lethal bullet wounds.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The resort’s family-friendly adventure tents are spacious, with several configurations of beds and bedroom furniture, cozy fire pits, heaters, and big front porches that invite hangouts.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of porch
Verb
  • Speaking of the stairs, they’re adorned with a mural that adds to the weight of history the characters are constantly inspired by and suffocating under.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Nestled along the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, the resort is adorned in tropical greenery, while peacocks wander freely across the gardens, hornbills perch in the frangipani trees and dinosaur-like monitor lizards sunbathe by breakfast tables.
    — Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • Photo : Tim Waltman/Evan Joseph Photography Stairs lead up to an upper terrace and hot tub.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Leeds also drive some of the sternest vitriol along opponents’ terraces.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of terrace
Verb
  • Another is draped in what appears to be a long, black, crushed-vinyl overcoat.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Norma Kamali Maria draped gown $375 NET-A-PORTER Made from a luxurious satin fabric that hugs the body with a flattering fit, this dress is a beautiful option for any bridal party.
    — Caroline Griswold, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of drape
Verb
  • If that’s the case, then trimming current expenses to increase savings should accompany the move to a more conservative portfolio.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Its snug cabin is beautifully trimmed in high-quality materials, and features wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
    — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of trim

Phrases Containing deck

Browse Nearby Words

decisiveness
deck
decked
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Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deck. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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