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
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.
Recent Examples of decency
There is no procedure that supersedes basic decency.
—
Daryl Campbell, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Because Sterling exudes decency as a human being, and this character is so hard and quiet and [an] old-school action hero.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Terry is a force of human nature, a one-man battering ram who still manages to maintain decorum and decency in the absence of others showing him any such courtesy.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 June 2025
And no one has strayed more than Danielle: straying from the light, straying from human decency, and, if the literary and cultural touchstone Cop Without a Badge is to be believed, straying from the law.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Daryl Campbell, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Because Sterling exudes decency as a human being, and this character is so hard and quiet and [an] old-school action hero.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Terry is a force of human nature, a one-man battering ram who still manages to maintain decorum and decency in the absence of others showing him any such courtesy.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 June 2025
And no one has strayed more than Danielle: straying from the light, straying from human decency, and, if the literary and cultural touchstone Cop Without a Badge is to be believed, straying from the law.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
Just as ticket holders are to uphold a certain level of etiquette during matches, the players are expected to do the same.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 July 2025
-
Here, etiquette experts weigh in on how to navigate pay-what-you-want scenarios.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
And then reality crashes down around them in a series of scenes that expose the cruel hypocrisy of Iran’s corrupt system (which purports to uphold morality, but allows men in positions of authority to indulge themselves in egregious ways).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
11 July 2025
-
The post did not address the morality of allowing biological males in girls sports.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
In keeping with House decorum rules, members can't use the platform to disparage other members.—
Mary Jo Pitzl,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
-
Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
By taking these steps, your recommendation will effectively showcase your nephew's potential while upholding the integrity of the hiring process and fostering workplace harmony.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
-
In a climate economy increasingly scrutinized for greenwashing and impact-washing, the integrity of carbon credits matters more than ever.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Candor Formal boards are bound by duty and propriety, while informal advisory boards have no set duties.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Questions of spectacle and propriety circled the Mütter even then, but Worden’s ample charisma, her confidence in the validity of her own fascination, seemed largely able to keep them at bay.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
High-net-worth individuals, particularly business owners, professionals and investors, often face elevated exposure to legal risk simply by virtue of their visibility and success.—
Blake Harris,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Just by virtue of being president, Trump has bolstered this belief of mine.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Our communities should not have to rely on court orders to be treated with dignity.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
19 July 2025
-
This religious minority known for its dignity, neutrality, resiliency, and peaceful resistance is now being targeted by Jihadi militias supported by the Syrian regime, with tanks artillery, and heavy weapons.—
Sawsan Natour-Hasson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
Noun
-
Then, the full moon in Capricorn on July 10 puts a spotlight on your work-life balance, forcing you to juggle your health and daily responsibilities with honesty, integrity and pragmatism.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
There is honesty in his acting where the emotions that play across Superman/Clark Kent’s face and body come from deep within.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
HollywoodReporter,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share