indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē 

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

Synonyms of indecency

• vulgarity
• grossness
• obscenity
• lewdness
• suggestiveness
• crudeness
• foulness
• coarseness
• lasciviousness

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

That has given the agency the legal ability to regulate such things as indecency and obscenity, as well as commercials in children’s programming. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

Central City is asking a judge to put an end to acts of public indecency at a strip club along its historic Main Street, the latest move in a yearslong debate between it and the club’s owner. —Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indecency

• decency
• recency

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