DECENT Synonyms: 353 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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 So regenerative has to regenerate livelihoods and communities too, including decent work and supporting the women who do much of the labor in cotton in many contexts. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The outer face is metallic, and the earbuds come in a decent range of colors, including Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 As his father became more trapped by his criminal enterprises, Flynn remained decent and upstanding. — Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Joe Burrow is going to exploit a defense that has been decent, but not great. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent

Adjective

The Playoff including home games for the highest seeded teams is a nice touch that many personalities seemed to agree was a positive.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The Verdict Sporting a more polished look than its contemporaries, Panasonic’s Japanese microwave is a nice gateway to nudge your kitchen toward more upscale design.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

This should be the proper way to handle things, whenever these idiot artists decide to rant.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Among the errors cited in the August 6 report is a failure to allow proper curing (drying) time for the caulk applied to the expansion joints that separate the basin’s concrete slabs.

— News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of proper

Adjective

Cringe may be excruciating, but post-cringe would be pure horror.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
This gift box contains eight bars, spanning from 58 to 80% cacao, in flavors like banana foster and green tea crunch for the adventurous and pink sea salt or pure cacao, dates, and vanilla for the purists.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

Restaurants, grocery stores and shops depend on deliveries, yet too many commercial corridors lack adequate loading zones.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
In our view, it was rushed and flawed, without an adequate evaluation framework to judge proposals fairly or fully measure their value to tourism.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of adequate

Adjective

Jones turned in a yeoman's effort, going 22-35 for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the Longhorn defense honest with his legs.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of polite

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decency

decent

decently

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“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of decent

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