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
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
Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Every day augurs some new threat—to democracy, to decency.
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Basic human decency to another living being.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Every day augurs some new threat—to democracy, to decency.
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
One is sheer ignorance of this etiquette rule.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
That includes basic phone etiquette, writing, professional dress, and openness to feedback.—
Wilborn P. Nobles III,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Amanda Askell's job is to try to teach Claude a sense of morality, or how to be good.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The philosopher Aristotle wrote tomes on morality and human behavior.—
Tara Sonenshine,
Baltimore Sun,
9 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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The debate occurred during Socrates’s inquiry into human virtue, recounted in Plato’s Republic.—
Paul Rosenzweig,
Washington Post,
9 Feb. 2026
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Casting all the virtue and vice signaling on the political spectrum aside with his straightforward embrace of America, Bunny then gave viewers a geography lesson by listing the countries that make up the Americas.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
8 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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That honesty was essential to the film.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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Moura inhabits the raw honesty of a man caught in the heart of authoritarianism, anchoring a timely, true-story-adjacent drama.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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