ADEQUATE Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'adequate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adequate are competent , enough , and sufficient . While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement. // the service was adequate

Q: When could 'competent' be used to replace 'adequate'?

The words competent and adequate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: How are the words 'enough' and 'sufficient' related as synonyms of 'adequate'?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient . // do you have enough food?

Q: When would 'sufficient' be a good substitute for 'adequate'?

Although the words sufficient and adequate have much in common, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need. // sufficient savings

adequate

adjective

ˈa-di-kwət

Definition of adequate next

as in decent

of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards this old computer is probably adequate if you just want to type a term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective adequate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adequate are competent, enough, and sufficient. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

When could competent be used to replace adequate?

The words competent and adequate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 as synonyms of adequate?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

When would sufficient be a good substitute for adequate?

Although the words sufficient and adequate have much in common, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

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 adequate The union has since sent a cease-and-desist letter to the museum to stop management from laying off union members without the opportunity for negotiations or adequate warning. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 7 Feb. 2025 Some studies also indicate that magnesium deficiency is linked to insomnia and restless sleep, making adequate intake especially important for those struggling with sleep issues. —

Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025 Like Abu Salmiya, the nurse said that detainees were denied adequate medical care. —

Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 2 Feb. 2025 In November, a jury found the parents, both 47 and from a wealthy suburb of Perth, guilty of engaging in conduct that caused their child to suffer by failing to provide adequate nutrition, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC.net) reported. —

Kc Baker, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for adequate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate

Adjective

Fleischmann, who had been at the card game but left at a decent hour, was furious.

— Christopher B. Daly, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Employers are posting fewer jobs and monthly job openings have tumbled from a record 12.2 million in March 2022 to 7.6 million in December -- still a decent number by historical standards.

— COMPILED BYDEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025