decency
noun
de·cen·cy
ˈdē-sᵊn-sē 
plural decencies
1
2
: standard of propriety
—usually used in plural
3
decencies plural
: conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living
4
: literary decorum
5
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
As each couple works to uncover the truth and save their own daughter, long buried tensions and uncomfortable truths erupt, forcing them to abandon any pretence of decency and to question all of their certainties as spouses, parents and friends.
—
Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
Hutson, like so many Republicans, wants to maintain his own veneer of decency while still managing to support what Trump is doing.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 July 2025
At his side is his loyal (to a fault) better half, Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), who puts her faith in Jimmy’s decency even as his less-than-legal impulses perpetually get him into trouble.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025
Common decency would dictate that a little more than 1 day's worth of investigation transpire before making such a dramatic move.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
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Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
Hutson, like so many Republicans, wants to maintain his own veneer of decency while still managing to support what Trump is doing.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 July 2025
At his side is his loyal (to a fault) better half, Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), who puts her faith in Jimmy’s decency even as his less-than-legal impulses perpetually get him into trouble.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025
Common decency would dictate that a little more than 1 day's worth of investigation transpire before making such a dramatic move.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decency. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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