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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Port selection is decent, and the inclusion of a wireless keyboard and mouse is a nice perk. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 My sympathies are entirely with Prince William, who's a thoroughly honorable, decent young man who's just had it with his brother and wants nothing to do with him. — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Johnson cited vintage Seiko diver watches, Omega sports watches, and modern Tudor watches as decent collectibles. — Joe D'allegro, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026 There was a decent amount of quick-game stuff mixed in to mitigate the line’s early-season struggles, but Love wasn’t sacked and only absorbed two quarterback hits. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent

Adjective

Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

Dealing with the British, his Tenzing is scrupulous and honorable, but don’t confuse that with subservience.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
My sympathies are entirely with Prince William, who's a thoroughly honorable, decent young man who's just had it with his brother and wants nothing to do with him.

— Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of honorable

Adjective

Sometimes, maybe once in every eight plays, the track scans as pure camp to me.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
Reactions, however, ranged from pure fascination and respect for his 12-year project to critics questioning whether Tomlin, who parted ways with the Steelers in January of this year, had devoted too much time to his virtual city.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of pure

Adjective

Flagship neoclouds If the hyperscalers were adequate, neoclouds wouldn't be proliferating.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Many have taken to the streets in towns and neighborhoods to protest the worsening situation, with roadblocks, tire-burning and residents holding up signs criticizing the government for not providing adequate solutions.

— Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of adequate

Adjective

Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Among those surveyed, Latinos who didn’t vote in 2024 were more likely than those who had voted to have economic frustrations, like struggling to earn enough money or find a good job.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

Those values might include being honest, assertive, or standing up for themselves.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
While discussing the characterizations present in the series, Sandler noted that star Noah Reid’s Rapp may be an honest representation of men, if not the most likable.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

Tonight's format, with Georgians asking the questions of candidates, meant a very polite back-and-forth between Jackson and Bottoms dominated the first half of the debate.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Cagle added that the photo showed a confident, brilliant, brave, polite, gracious, kind and gentle young man.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of polite

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decency

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“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of decent

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