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
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2
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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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of decent
Jerry Jones, being a decent actor, was not on my bingo card.
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Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The Declaration of Independence was off to the press, so Thomas Jefferson spent July 4, 1776, in search of a decent thermometer.
—Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
But this would be a practical and necessary change — to allow a decent time period for transition while also preventing various abuses and inefficiencies.
—Guy Ciarrocchi, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decent 
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The Declaration of Independence was off to the press, so Thomas Jefferson spent July 4, 1776, in search of a decent thermometer.
—Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
But this would be a practical and necessary change — to allow a decent time period for transition while also preventing various abuses and inefficiencies.
—Guy Ciarrocchi, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decent
Adjective
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The gold coloring on the leaves can be striking and offers a nice splash of color on the seemingly endless sea of green that comprises the rest of the low-maintenance houseplant category.Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
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What’s nice are the small, thoughtful touches—most rooms have big patios with hammocks.David Hochman, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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And for those who were denied an honorable discharge, the Pentagon would commit to a streamlined upgrade review process.Matthew Mosk, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025
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Brienne of Tarth The most honorable knight in Westeros doesn't have a bad bone in her body.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Sensors like cameras and radars are calibrated to millimeter accuracy to ensure proper performance, and any deviations from specifications can lead to malfunction or reduced effectiveness.Brunno Moretti, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
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At worst, avoiding proper medical care in favor of an over-the-counter (OTC) probiotic could cause a digestive condition to become more severe.Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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And lucky for viewers, both Ji-wons keep embarrassing themselves in front of each other, which is a pure delight to watch.Regina Kim, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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Fly Anakin: But this is the most pure version of Mutant Academy.Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The 11 Best Grow Lights to Help Your Plants Thrive, Based on Testing Soil and Water Euonymus are tolerant of any soil type as long as there is adequate drainage.Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
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As an example, nutrients and vitamins like calcium and vitamin D are critical to ensure adequate bone health and to help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone mass that can predispose people to fracture their bones more easily.Omer Awan, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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When asked how the Buccaneers have been able to battle back through adversity throughout the season and remain a winning product, Evans had a blunt, but honest answer.DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Online slots work on an RNG (Random Number Generation) model, ensuring a fair and honest outcome for every player.Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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By drawing on real-world scientific advancements and theories, the novel challenges readers to think critically about the role of technology in modern life and the ethical dilemmas that arise with innovation.William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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However, effective deployment requires careful attention to ethical considerations and user privacy to ensure consumer confidence in these systems.Glen Robinson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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People on several continents were understandably pleased at the prospect of rule by this quiet, polite, diligent young man who had practiced eye surgery in London.Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 31 Dec. 2024
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Another delegate in the same small-group discussion said that the ideas got polite but forceful pushback.Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near decent
Cite this Entry
“Decent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decent. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
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