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

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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 Apple did not believe daily testing for COVID-19 was an adequate alternative to vaccination. Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025 Although emergency departments might have adequate staff at off times, other hospital resources might be limited at night and on weekends, which could be a problem in these emergencies, Johns said. Neha Mukherjee, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 Public Safety: Providing adequate resources for police, fire, and emergency services to ensure safe neighborhoods remains a top priority as the district grows. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025 Conservative lawmakers in some states, like Texas, have proposed legislation to require greater use of fossil fuels to ensure adequate power supply and to meet rising demand from data centers, electric cars and heat pumps. Ivan Penn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adequate
Adjective
  • Thus far, Wall Street has had a decent start to the first-quarter earnings season.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The former Washington Husky has had a decent start to his 2025 season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The surgery was difficult due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgeries and stab wound, but Sunday’s procedure did not have unexpected complications and the result was satisfactory, doctors said, adding that hospital visits for now should be limited to family.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • According to the complaint, Combs allegedly said the act wasn’t satisfactory and threatened Doe with violence afterward.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • If sports betting is not his jam, that’s just fine, too.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the concept is something that may not be acceptable to the public.
    TIME Staff, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Suicide and euthanasia are never morally acceptable options.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adequate. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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