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
-
City leaders in Brookhaven are reminding residents that cutting down trees without proper approval could come with consequences, as officials double down on efforts to preserve the city's tree canopy.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
While there is no cure for the disease, shelters say proper cleaning protocols can help control its spread, and vaccination remains the most effective form of prevention.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With speed on the right wing as essentially a pure winger rather than her usual right-back role, Oke gave Reign’s defense fits, especially when another midfielder joined and created overloads.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Researchers in Germany are developing a new electrochemical method to coat fusion reactors with pure tungsten.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Side sleepers require pressure relief around pinch points (shoulders and hips) and adequate support to maintain good spinal alignment, so Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses are best.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Rickon said that at 70 pounds, Slim Shady was undersized and likely hadn’t had adequate space for his habitat to this time.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gluting is ranked as the second best left-hander in Illinois in the 2027 class by Prep Baseball Report behind Benet’s Quinn Rooney, who’s a Notre Dame recruit.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But UConn, usually at its best after making halftime adjustments, immediately fell behind again in the third.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran practices honest bludgeon work.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Use honest words, and let confidence take root.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 2026.
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