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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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • For proper perspective, compare that to 2025 Songwriting Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Gorley's 83 No. 1 hits over 20 years.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
  • This weekend marked the reintroduction of Holmes, the first step toward a proper rookie year.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hydration is key When working in the heat, avoid sugary drinks and opt for pure water or water with electrolytes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • Happening in early May, the festival’s events are pure Americana.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 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
  • Renegade Paws Rescue's honest assessment of Igor's personality garnered the attention of thousands of animal lovers, who shared the post over 35,000 times.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Managers are the ethical gatekeepers responsible for monitoring outputs and ensuring alignment with company values.
    Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Cheering for such idealism used to feel corny; all the cool, caped crusaders had ethical kinks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The mother is friendly and the son is quiet and polite.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • If a client goes quiet, a polite but firm follow-up message outlining next steps can nudge resolution.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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