indecency

noun

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

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 an important essay, Andrew Sullivan noted this past fall that Trump’s indecency is comprehensive in style and substance. Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 The case for this President’s indecency hardly requires putting a dubious letter into evidence. David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2025 Stern first signed with Sirius in 2004 (prior to its merger with XM), in part to be free of oversight by the FCC, which had levied millions of dollars in fines on terrestrial radio stations that carried his show for alleged indecency. Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025 Jacksonville man held on indecency A Jacksonville man was arrested shortly before noon on Wednesday by police in Jacksonville responding to a disturbance call. Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Indecency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecency. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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
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