SUFFICIENT Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

sufficient

adjective

Definition of sufficient next

as in adequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sufficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sufficient are adequate, competent, and enough. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

When might adequate be a better fit than sufficient?

The synonyms adequate and sufficient are sometimes interchangeable, but adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

Where would competent be a reasonable alternative to sufficient?

Although the words competent and sufficient have much in common, competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.

had no competent notion of what was going on

How are the words enough and sufficient related?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

Examples 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 sufficient The request now goes to a panel of three ICC judges who will decide whether sufficient evidence exists to issue a warrant. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 Without sufficient workers, food would rot in the fields, sending grocery prices skyrocketing, my colleagues Jessica Garrison and Rebecca Plevin wrote. —

Karim Doumar, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 That was sufficient for the judge to allow the litigation to proceed to the next phase. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024 During that time, the Canucks need to play well enough and collect a sufficient number of points to remain squarely in the chase pack in the Pacific Division. —

Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sufficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sufficient

Adjective

The $14 million in extreme heat aid will support senior community centers with adequate and efficient air conditioning.

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
The foundation says that reptiles should gain adequate weight during the summer months, particularly through diets rich in vitamin A, to sustain themselves during their dormant phase.

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024