DECENCY Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

decency

noun

ˈdē-sᵊn-sē

Definition of decency

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

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 Yet while lacking in decency and, frankly, class, Cannibal Holocaust features extremely effective queasy quasi-realism. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 And yet as cynical and beaten-down as the film’s viewpoint can often be, there is still a spark of decency and perseverance. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 This is not simply a matter of policy, but of basic human decency. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Has Sugar’s inherent decency become something of a moral palate cleanser for Oz’s wicked ways? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency

Noun

But what should have been a pretty mundane meal spiraled into a heated viral debate about in-flight food etiquette when fellow passengers started to complain about the smell.

— Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Of course, Genevieve Dreizen, a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert and COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, says when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is just to bring the child who is invited.

— Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 July 2026

Definition of etiquette

Noun

Expect plenty of action, interpersonal tensions and philosophical dilemmas around destiny and morality.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
In an interview, Worner said that while saints are ultimately mortal and therefore not perfect, there is a certain criterion of morality decided by a multitude of individuals.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

Definition of morality

Noun

The laws regulating habitual drunkards were intended not to protect the general public against serious danger, but to protect civil order and decorum.

— Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
But despite Clark’s wrongdoings on and off the course, the decorum of being a golf patron, especially at a major championship, is paramount.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

Georgia Bedell contends that the Planning and Zoning Commission last winter didn’t do a meaningful review of the effect on air quality, water contamination nor the integrity of the nearby aquifer.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Emotional intelligence and leadership humility help executives to lead with integrity and accountability, which fosters a culture of respect and continuous improvement.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of integrity

Noun

When serious illness interrupts that, there should be more space for care, dignity and support.

— News Desk, Artforum, 16 July 2026
Efira stars as Marie-Lou, the director of an elderly care facility who is fighting to institute a philosophy of care built on listening and respect for her residents’ dignity, over the resistance of her own staff.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Definition of dignity

Noun

Also known as the money plant or honesty, lunaria (Lunaria annua) is an intriguing biennial that produces clusters of purple flowers during the first year of growth and silver, paper-like seed pods the second year, then dies.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026

Definition of honesty

Browse Nearby Words

decelerations

decency

decent

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of decency

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on decency

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes