Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Adequate” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Good enough for what you need. Not great, but it does the job.
Meaning of Adequate
Enough in quantity or quality to satisfy a need or requirement; satisfactory.
How to Pronounce Adequate
IPA: /ˈædɪkwət/ Stress: Ooo
Stress the first syllable: AD-i-kwut. The second syllable is quick and unstressed.
4 Synonyms for Adequate — Words Similar to Adequate
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
sufficient
/səˈfɪʃ.ənt/Adequate or enough for what is needed; having as much as required.
Example: Two weeks is a sufficient amount of time to prepare for the exam.
enough
/ɪˈnʌf/When you have enough of something, you have all of it that you need.
Example: Do we have enough time to finish the project today?
Smart Synonyms for Adequate — When to Use Each
sufficient
More formal; emphasizes meeting exact needs
acceptable
Slightly more positive; suggests good approval
decent
More informal; friendly conversational tone
How to Use Adequate and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The parking at the shopping center is adequate for most customers. B2
- Her salary is adequate to cover living expenses. B2
- We need adequate time to complete this project properly. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Adequate
What is another word for "adequate"?
Common synonyms for "adequate" include: sufficient, enough, satisfactory, acceptable.
What can I say instead of "adequate"?
Try one of these alternatives: sufficient, enough, satisfactory, acceptable. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "adequate" formal or informal?
"adequate" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "adequate" instead of "sufficient"?
Use "adequate" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "sufficient" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.