decent
8 synonyms and 7 antonyms for decent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use decent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
"Decent" meaning simply "quite good" (a decent meal, a decent job) is informal and very common in everyday British and American speech.
Etymology
From Latin decens, "fitting, suitable," from decet, "it is proper."
Full origin of decent →Frequently asked questions
What does “decent” mean?
The word “decent” means morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness. In plain terms, good enough, proper, or morally sound — a flexible word used for people, quality, and being dressed appropriately.
How do you pronounce “decent”?
“Decent” is pronounced DEE-suhnt (/ˈdi.sənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decent” in a sentence?
Here is “decent” used in a sentence: “He's a decent man who always keeps his word.”
What is the opposite of “decent”?
The opposite of “decent” — its antonyms — are bad, immoral, indecent, underdressed and inadequate.
What part of speech is “decent”?
“Decent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decent” come from?
The word “decent” comes from Latin. From Latin decens, "fitting, suitable," from decet, "it is proper.".
Is “decent” a common word?
“Decent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “decent” have?
“Decent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness.
What is the difference between decent and good?
'Good' is a broad term for high quality or strong worth. 'Decent' is more modest — it means acceptable, respectable, or satisfactory rather than outstanding. In its moral sense, decent describes honest, fair, and proper behaviour. So something good may excel, while something decent simply meets a reasonable standard without falling short.
What does it mean to call someone a decent person?
Calling someone decent means they are morally proper and respectable — honest, fair, and considerate towards others. A decent person behaves with integrity and treats people well, even when no one is watching. It is quiet praise, valuing good character and fairness over flashiness or brilliance.
Is decent a positive word?
Yes, though it is moderate praise. In its moral sense, calling someone decent is genuinely positive — it means honest, fair, and respectable. Describing quality, 'decent' means good enough or satisfactory rather than excellent. So it is favourable, but it signals a solid standard rather than the very best.
What is the opposite of decent?
In the moral sense, opposites include dishonest, unfair, disreputable, or immoral — someone lacking integrity. Describing quality, the opposite is poor, inadequate, or substandard. Where decent means proper and respectable or simply good enough, its opposites point to conduct or standards that fall clearly below what is acceptable.