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
To then have individuals exploit that tragedy for personal gain demonstrates a complete disregard for basic human decency.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Thompson mentions that cartoons from this era often leaned on straightforward ideas about decency, and Doug fit that mold without being preachy about it.
—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
6 June 2026
In 2016, voters were asked to choose between a populist candidate dogged by questions about his integrity, judgment, decency, civility, empathy, and respect for everyone from complete strangers to his own wife, and an overqualified, glass-ceiling-smashing woman.
—
Shannon A. Mullen,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
The novel, which explores how Daphne and Eddie’s reconnection reverberates through the lives of siblings, parents, friends and family, is a book about human decency and kindness.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Thompson mentions that cartoons from this era often leaned on straightforward ideas about decency, and Doug fit that mold without being preachy about it.
—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
6 June 2026
In 2016, voters were asked to choose between a populist candidate dogged by questions about his integrity, judgment, decency, civility, empathy, and respect for everyone from complete strangers to his own wife, and an overqualified, glass-ceiling-smashing woman.
—
Shannon A. Mullen,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
The novel, which explores how Daphne and Eddie’s reconnection reverberates through the lives of siblings, parents, friends and family, is a book about human decency and kindness.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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That also comes down to Blackberry’s affable take on Southern-style etiquette—polite but authentic and real; formal when called for yet folksy and easygoing when appropriate.
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There's social etiquette and then there's Mama'n'em's etiquette.
Noun
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In the Greek world, honor isn’t tethered to morality.
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At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity.
Noun
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One is about civic commonality, the other about authoritarian cynicism; one is about a city pulling together around a common pleasure, the other about desecrating the decorum of democracy.
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One of the mayor’s primary responsibilities is facilitating meetings and maintaining decorum.
Noun
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Not even a hint of repercussions for diminishing the integrity of the event.
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Designed to strengthen election integrity and foster leadership, the year-long program provides education on election administration, including election law, cybersecurity, information technology and operational best practices, the release said.
Noun
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The second agreement precludes the Justice Department or any other federal agency from investigating the propriety of that funding.
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All that moonlight over dewy grass and lamplight on Parisian streets create texture for the flawed adults who walk through these scenes, for their misguided sense of propriety.
Noun
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Light and Breezy One of the many virtues of the ’60s shift is its simplicity.
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Understanding character and how potential virtues can manifest as vices is a starting point; however, knowing is not enough.
Noun
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His post-match interview revealed the usual Messi, the man who continues to showcase the kind of humanity, dignity, honor and humility that defies every standard of today’s society, consumed with the search for attention and glory at any cost.
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Director David Baute described a deliberate approach to his subject’s dignity.
Noun
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Blunt honesty had clicked with a relentless desire for improvement, launching a professional partnership and personal friendship that greatly enriched the careers of both men and, in time, would meaningfully alter the course of Chelsea history.
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What drew him to the exchange wasn’t controversy, but honesty.
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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