decorum

noun

de·co·rum | \ di-ˈkȯr-əm

Definition of decorum

1 : literary and dramatic propriety : fitness according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedy— Irving Babbitt

2 : propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance strict in her notions of decorum— Jane Austen

3 : orderliness the organization's decorum has rarely been shaken— W. F. Longgood

4 decorums plural : the conventions of polite behavior the established sobrieties and decorums of English life— H. G. Wells

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about decorum

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Synonyms & Antonyms for decorum

Synonyms

decency, form, propriety

Antonyms

impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Examples of decorum in a Sentence

He has no sense of decorum. high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera

Recent Examples on the Web

Unfortunately, Trump’s language, character, and decorum have emboldened people with prejudice. — Vogue, "Teddy Quinlivan: Why I’m Standing Up Against Trump’s Anti-Trans Agenda," 26 Oct. 2018 The decibel level was low, decorum high and crowds generally sparse. — Roger Kimball, WSJ, "The National Gallery of Identity Politics," 18 Dec. 2018 The party of civility and decorum will have to show some backbone here. — Jay Willis, GQ, "Why Justice Kennedy’s Retirement Is Even Worse Than You Think," 27 June 2018 Those who violate decorum will not receive their diploma until a conference can be held with parents to discuss the matter, said district spokesman John Schuster. — Colleen Wright, miamiherald, "Dancing, selfies, a backflip? Schools lay out the do's and don'ts of graduation | Miami Herald," 12 May 2018 Council also amended the rule regarding decorum at council meetings. — Karen Farkas, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County Council reduces public comment opportunities," 10 Apr. 2018 Eventually, someone will come along and restore a measure of decorum to politics, sparing voters the inside peek at their trips to the dentist or the fridge. — Karl Rove, WSJ, "The Weirdness of American Politics," 23 Jan. 2019 Activists have yelled and screamed and disrupted the decorum of the Senate. — Fox News, "Ingraham: The rush to judgment and injustice for Kavanaugh," 18 Sep. 2018 But more than his longevity, Settle was known for his need — his demand — for decorum, for order. — Will Higgins, Indianapolis Star, "A dominatrix, a 'Broom Guy,' a 'Beeper King': Meet 23 Hoosier oddballs and characters," 8 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decorum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.