DECENT Synonyms: 354 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

decent

adjective

ˈdē-sᵊnt

Definition of decent next

as in nice

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue as decent and kind a couple as you could ever hope to meet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honorable

following the accepted rules of moral conduct demanded nothing less than decent behavior by the troops serving overseas

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as in proper

following the established traditions of refined society and good taste decent clothing for someone attending a funeral, if only as a friend of a friend

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as in pure

free from any trace of the coarse or indecent students were warned that their skits could be funny but still had to remain decent

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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

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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 The figures are comparable to the Broadway of a decade ago, decent but a long way off from the hugely successful seasons just prior to Covid. —

Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 But the lasting reputation can be good, if a player leaves on decent terms. —

Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 The race car, which is powered by a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine that 290 hp, has a decent pedigree too. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025 Many people who celebrated (or joked about the murder) had been hurt by callus policies that made CEOs richer while their family members could not access decent health care. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for decent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent

Adjective

Give your sink a nice bubble bath by stopping the drain and filling the basin along with a tablet.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Elizabeth had started working and spent some of her wages on nice outfits.

— Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025