Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

decency

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of decency

1 socially acceptable behavior

  • the standards of basic decency demanded that they help the old lady with her groceries
Synonyms of decency

decorum, form, propriety
Words Related to decency

etiquette

civility, courteousness, courtesy, gentilesse, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness, politesse

dignity, grace, refinement

discretion, prudence

appropriateness, correctitude, correctness, decorousness, fitness, rightness, seemliness

attention, attentiveness, care, carefulness

character, goodness, high-mindedness, honesty, honor, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, straightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness
Near Antonyms of decency

coarseness, crudeness, gracelessness

discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, vulgarity

imprudence, indiscretion

badness, evil, immorality, wickedness

debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion

crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness
Antonyms of decency

impropriety, indecency, indecorum

2 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 of decency

character, goodness, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness
Words Related to decency

high-mindedness, honor, incorruptibility, irreproachability, irreproachableness, right-mindedness, scrupulosity, scrupulousness

appropriateness, correctness, decorousness, decorum, etiquette, fitness, propriety, seemliness

ethics, morals
Near Antonyms of decency

impropriety, indecency, indecorum, indiscretion

debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion, pervertedness, sinfulness

crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness

lowness, meanness, viciousness, vileness

corruption
Antonyms of decency

badness, evil, evildoing, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wickedness

Learn More about decency

  1. Dictionary: Definition of decency Spanish Central: Translation of decency Nglish: Translation of decency for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of decency for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up decency? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

noisome

noxious or harmful

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games