1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in honorable
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
demanded nothing less than decent behavior by the troops serving overseas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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4
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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5
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decent
The physical and mental toll of providing her son with a decent life, however, is crushing.
—
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The bangers hit harder, the down-tempo numbers get weirder and more aqueous; there’s a decent amount going on here.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
There’s also a whirlpool and decent-sized pool (with dedicated family hours) surrounded by loungers, a seasonal outdoor terrace with city views, and a gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
King had saved this view, and their first decent cup of coffee, for the end of the course.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decent
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
The bangers hit harder, the down-tempo numbers get weirder and more aqueous; there’s a decent amount going on here.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
There’s also a whirlpool and decent-sized pool (with dedicated family hours) surrounded by loungers, a seasonal outdoor terrace with city views, and a gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
King had saved this view, and their first decent cup of coffee, for the end of the course.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
-
My room had a large bathtub right by the window, a spacious walk-in shower, and Niven Morgan bath products (a nice touch, given that the brand is from Dallas).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The company flew Tony to Cupertino and put him up in a nice hotel with a fruit basket waiting in the room.—
Bill Gurley,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The people in Japan are so honorable.—
Matt Bomer,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Third team Gonzaga senior Graham Ike, an honorable-mention pick two years ago, earned third-team honors this season.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Westcott said some of the subdivisions along the creek were built in the 1960s and 1970s when proper drainage was an afterthought and fences were installed in floodways.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Hayden said that Charles failed to execute proper safety protocols while Joseph crossed the street.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Their relationship starts as pure rivalry, shifts into a friends-with-benefits arrangement and eventually evolves into a full romantic relationship across the six-episode first season.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But Honeywell is inching up, as people anticipate receiving shares of a pure-play aerospace company and an automation and security company.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Suburban city leaders in DART have decried a lack of adequate service in their less dense municipalities and asked the agency for a better return on their sales tax investment.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Shimel and Ashley propose a layered approach where AI agents and third-party threat detection models will be necessary to place adequate guardrails on agents.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Another newcomer, closer Pete Fairbanks, the Marlins’ $13 million free-agent splurge, finished the game in good fashion.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
-
A level head will be your best asset.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s nothing funnier than being honest.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Ready to be honest about what lights you up?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Present and correct, just in smaller quantities than previously, and now obliged to make polite conversation with Alexandra Champalimaud’s additions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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