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
Under the new policy, the DMV will no longer automatically reject plate requests containing specific LGBTQ terminology, provided the messages meet standard decency and appropriateness criteria that apply to all personalized plates.
—
Evan Moore
december 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025
Legal Risks Common decency and a low level of etiquette would indicate that shoveling your snow off onto your neighbor’s lawn or yard is a poor decision that is sure to cause problems.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
While homosexuality isn’t outlawed in Egypt, members of the LGBTQ+ community can be prosecuted for violating public decency laws.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
That is defending truth, decency, humanity, democracy, net neutrality, and the $5 foot-long.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
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Evan Moore
december 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025
Legal Risks Common decency and a low level of etiquette would indicate that shoveling your snow off onto your neighbor’s lawn or yard is a poor decision that is sure to cause problems.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025
While homosexuality isn’t outlawed in Egypt, members of the LGBTQ+ community can be prosecuted for violating public decency laws.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
That is defending truth, decency, humanity, democracy, net neutrality, and the $5 foot-long.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 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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