decency

noun

de·​cen·​cy ˈdē-sᵊn-sē 

plural decencies

1

a

: the quality or state of being decent : propriety

b

: conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality

2

: standard of propriety

—usually plural

3

decencies plural : conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living

4

: literary decorum

5

archaic

a

: fitness

b

: orderliness

Synonyms of decency

• etiquette
• decorum
• propriety
• morality
• dignity
• prudence
• form
• civility

Examples of decency in a Sentence

Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do the right thing.

Sending aid to the victims was simply a matter of common decency.

If you're going to be late, please have the decency to call and let me know.

Have you no sense of decency?

He had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Reflecting its subject himself, an aura of decency permeates the new drama depicting the wartime years of actor Jimmy Stewart’s life. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

In their concession speeches, several losing GOP candidates took the time to express a measure of decency and civility about their defeat. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2026

David Jolly is our only choice, our only chance to restore decency and integrity to an office that’s corrupt from top to bottom. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

While some issues are clearly partisan — including the country’s current economic misery, the long-running war in Iran and the attacks on the Affordable Care Act — others are grounded in basic decency. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 5a

Rhymes for decency

• recency
• indecency

Kids Definition

decency

noun

de·​cen·​cy ˈdēs-ᵊn-sē 

plural decencies

1

a

: the quality or state of being decent : propriety

b

: agreement with standards of taste, quality, or proper behavior

decency, not fear of punishment, made them behave

2

: a standard of proper behavior

—usually used in plural

had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies