indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē How to pronounce indecency (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being indecent
2
: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Victorian London, the proprietors of anatomical displays were sometimes prosecuted for indecency. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 There’s a risk of indecency, certainly, but the boundary is subjective, and Bayern smashing 10 past Auckland was merely them completing a full day’s work. Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with breach of peace and public indecency. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 In most states, breastfeeding is excluded from public indecency laws and the majority of states grant women the right to breastfeed in public locations. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indecency

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecency was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indecency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecency. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

indecency

noun
in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē How to pronounce indecency (audio)
plural indecencies
1
: lack of decency
2
: an indecent act or word

More from Merriam-Webster on indecency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!