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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

Examples 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 In the broader antitrust landscape, one wildcard is a populist strain in the GOP, including Trump’s VP pick J.D. Vance, who, surprisingly, likes Khan, calling her one of the current administration’s only decent picks. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 Not so in the United States, where the people's interests are too diverse not to provide for ways to demonstrate a decent respect for the opinions of those who do not constitute the majority. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 There’s probably a decent chance nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) is back this week and the team is optimistic safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) will make it through protocol soon, but these new injuries will take a toll and test depth. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 The earbuds deliver decent audio performance, especially at higher volumes, and give users the ability to tailor the equalizer settings through a dedicated app for optimal bass and treble. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
  • The panel's high refresh rate is also a nice touch, with a peak 120Hz for gaming and media creation.
    Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • His work garnered him a few nicknames, more followers and a nice pay bump.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Would Adams have preferred a deeply dishonorable man in the White House over an honorable woman?
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Petty didn’t back down and MCA changed their plans, enshrining his reputation as an honorable guy who cared more about his fans than his own bottom line.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This length was all added ahead of the windshield, giving the Vanquish the bold proportions of a proper dream car.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Creators will have to complete a questionnaire for each project in advance so that Roblox can ensure proper categorization.
    Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Mack doesn’t put on his helmet and pads, but that doesn’t mean the day is one of pure relaxation.
    Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Ouster's liquidity remains adequate with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $153.8 million as of September 30, 2024.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • This could present a problem for coverage and access given that in its review of the evidence, an Institute for Clinical and Economic Review panel voted 10-2 that the current evidence is adequate to show a net health benefit when compared to Abilify. MORE FOR YOU Trump Vs.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This leads to an honest and bracing conversation about the nature of addiction.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Healthy relationships, open or closed, involve honest communication.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Second, most congressional Republicans have abandoned ethical norms.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The Supreme Court’s deference to FDR during World War II resulted in unjustifiable ethical breaches, but its new code of conduct has not resolved the question of when a justice should be disqualified from a case.
    Jed S. Rakoff, The New York Review of Books, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Wiley, wearing similarly busy patchwork jeans, continues his polite but half-hearted tour.
    Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Just don’t expect anything polite enough to air on Masterpiece.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near decent

Cite this Entry

“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on decent

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