1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
the standards of basic decency demanded that they help the old lady with her groceries
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong
expected all of the scouts in his troop to be models of decency
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decency
The forthcoming podcast will explore the moral, social, and philosophical underpinnings of human decency—with a particular focus on the role that institutions play in shaping communities and ideologies.
—
The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
In recent weeks, Trump has again revealed himself to be a stain on basic decency and humanity, demonstrating a depraved indifference to suffering and a laser-like focus on gold and glory.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Shovel your neighbor’s walk In a state that prides itself on decency, there’s something particularly Minnesotan about the protests.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
In recent weeks, Trump has again revealed himself to be a stain on basic decency and humanity, demonstrating a depraved indifference to suffering and a laser-like focus on gold and glory.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Shovel your neighbor’s walk In a state that prides itself on decency, there’s something particularly Minnesotan about the protests.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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Nikki Sawhney is a certified etiquette consultant and the director of the New England School of Protocol in Massachusetts.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
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What is the etiquette for appreciating live performances these days?—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was killed in custody after being arrested by the morality police for improperly wearing her hijab.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
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During the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death of the young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, Pahlavi called for rallies against the Iranian government in the United States, Canada and other countries.—
Eric Lob,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Live tennis and live golf offer details that can’t be captured on television, but there are rules of decorum and big potential for monotony.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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Hugh Laurie stars as Ryan Clark, captain of a giant space cruise ship full of snobby, rich tourists, though when the ship's course is changed from a few weeks to more than three years, the classy decorum begins to break down.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Cary Jenkins,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Faulkner said the Apartment Association will also help arrange community gatherings with first responders at participating proprieties.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
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But Regency England has strict rules for courting couples, and Simon and Daphne are soon skirting the lines of propriety when their feelings become authentic.—
Sara Netzley,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
All the misunderstanding and virtue-clinging could stand down.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Among alpaca’s virtues is its odor resistance.—
Scott Douglas,
Outside,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But the organizers of the ceremony managed the correct tone mixing joy and dignity.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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Immigration enforcement must be fair, just and uphold the principles of equality and human dignity.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There's an honesty in its depravity.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
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When the Penguins have been at their best this season, there’s been an honesty and a hardworking mentality to their game.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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