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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decency
The reasons for the Labour Party leader’s deepening plight are moral, because decency and shame still matter in British politics.
—
Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
At least King Midas had the decency to regret his curse.
—Joe Wilkins Published Feb 5, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Basic human decency to another living being.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
At least King Midas had the decency to regret his curse.
—Joe Wilkins Published Feb 5, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Basic human decency to another living being.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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Global interest in curling surged over the past week when a cheating controversy erupted at the Winter Olympics, rocking a staid, 500-year-old sport known for its etiquette, manners and friendliness.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
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In fact, modern etiquette dictates that the one who invites is the one who should pay.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Michigan ousted Sherrone Moore for violating his morality contract.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Shaped by biblical ethics, nonviolence, and the belief that justice is indivisible, his framework refused the logic of zero-sum morality.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Other benefits from the public comment changes in the decorum policy include a higher threshold to lower time limit and prioritization of Tarrant County residents over non-residents.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
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But Ritter delivered a brief but direct speech from the dais on the following day regarding decorum in the chamber, saying that the House rules prohibit overtly political displays by either legislators or the general public in the upstairs gallery.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Canadians are taking it personally that their integrity is coming under attack in front of a global audience at the Olympics, which touts the values of respect and friendship.—
Julia Frankel,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The clash of beauty and filth is well suited for Brontë’s desolate tale of romance in a tempestuous climate, where Cathy is constantly caught between Victorian propriety and her baser, wilder nature.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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When a collaborator brings me something made entirely with AI, that alone is neither a flaw nor a virtue.—
Michele Zanello,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
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All this is particularly noteworthy in today’s era, where such leadership virtues are seemingly in decline, if not disappearing.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The story of slavery and its abolition is ultimately one of irrepressible human dignity.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
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But speaking of treating all patients with dignity, Roxie is having a tough time dealing with her current situation.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Other times, however, people are simply oblivious about how their honesty will land.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
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Harris kept coming back to the idea of Dunk’s honesty as the keystone for how the Trial of the Seven was conceived, choreographed, shot, and edited.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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