indecency
noun
in·de·cen·cy
(ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē 
1
: the quality or state of being indecent
2
: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent
Synonyms
Examples of indecency in a Sentence
The book has been criticized for indecency.
I was shocked by the indecency of their language.
He was accused of sexual indecencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, some celebs like Jenner and Rihanna have gone in another direction, keeping things tight up top while rocking a pair of tights to avoid getting hit with any public indecency charges.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2023
The bill’s restrictions extend to mannequins and toys, which are banned from being portrayed with indecency.
—Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 21 Sep. 2023
Because his son recanted testimony against him, a San Antonio man has been exonerated 32 years after he was found guilty of indecency with a child and sent to prison.
—Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Feb. 2023
He was sentenced to life in prison for the first charge, 20 years each for three counts of indecency and 10 years for the final count, to be served concurrently, according to court documents.
—Lana Ferguson, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2023
The president of a North Texas school district’s board of trustees has been accused of indecency with a child.
—Dallas News, 25 Jan. 2023
Turner was booked into the jail on Oct. 28 for a parole violation, public indecency and obstructing official business.
—Olivia Mitchell, cleveland, 19 Jan. 2023
But, without victims coming forward, all he can be charged with are the two misdemeanor charges of public indecency.
—Warren Kulo | Wkulo@al.com, al, 26 June 2023
Public indecency Benjamin Catt, 32, of the 3700 block of County Road, Kokomo, Ind., was arrested May 22 at the Park Ridge Police Station for public indecency, police said.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2023
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Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2023
The bill’s restrictions extend to mannequins and toys, which are banned from being portrayed with indecency.
—Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 21 Sep. 2023
Because his son recanted testimony against him, a San Antonio man has been exonerated 32 years after he was found guilty of indecency with a child and sent to prison.
—Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Feb. 2023
He was sentenced to life in prison for the first charge, 20 years each for three counts of indecency and 10 years for the final count, to be served concurrently, according to court documents.
—Lana Ferguson, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2023
The president of a North Texas school district’s board of trustees has been accused of indecency with a child.
—Dallas News, 25 Jan. 2023
Turner was booked into the jail on Oct. 28 for a parole violation, public indecency and obstructing official business.
—Olivia Mitchell, cleveland, 19 Jan. 2023
But, without victims coming forward, all he can be charged with are the two misdemeanor charges of public indecency.
—Warren Kulo | Wkulo@al.com, al, 26 June 2023
Public indecency Benjamin Catt, 32, of the 3700 block of County Road, Kokomo, Ind., was arrested May 22 at the Park Ridge Police Station for public indecency, police said.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indecency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near indecency
Cite this Entry
“Indecency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecency. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
indecency
noun
in·de·cen·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē
plural indecencies
1
: lack of decency
2
: an indecent act or word
More from Merriam-Webster on indecency
Nglish: Translation of indecency for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of indecency for Arabic Speakers
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