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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials have cited a lack of adequate funding, racial bias, language barriers and mistrust of the medical system among the reasons that gay and bisexual Latino men account for a disproportionate percentage of new HIV cases. Tyrone Beason follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 This weekend's tragedy has already raised questions about whether there were adequate safety measures in the region in the event of a major flooding event. ABC News, 8 July 2025 According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, 60% of workers will require training by 2027 to keep pace with evolving job demands, but only half of employees currently have access to adequate training opportunities. Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 8 July 2025 Inhibiting top talent’s potential by withholding adequate support for their bold initiatives exposes a company mistaking activity for true, impactful progress. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • Jimenez is a decent prospect to send to a division foe in exchange for a rental pitcher and a glorified project in Dobnak.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • One factor that now seems to ensure a satisfactory resolution for both parties is the resurrection of the NFL’s interest in taking an equity stake in ESPN, rumors of which first began circulating in early 2024.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 July 2025
  • The plane’s fuel was tested and found to be of satisfactory quality, and no significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path, according to the report.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite that, the Lyriq-V’s looks, comfort and features are as good as anything on the road.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • The cocktails are classic and the wine list is so good that it's been lauded by Wine Spectator magazine.
    Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • People in their finest gathered under those lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Saucy barbecue chicken, ham, and, yes, pineapple, are all acceptable.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • While being truthful is an important value, telling a white lie can be acceptable.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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