Synonyms of decency

decency

noun

ˈdē-sᵊn-sē 

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

• etiquette
• decorum
• propriety
• morality
• dignity
• prudence
• form
• civility
• fitness
• courtesy
• politeness
• honesty
• integrity
• gentility
• refinement
• graciousness
• grace
• appropriateness
• virtue
• correctness
• goodness
• discretion
• politesse
• honor
• courteousness
• carefulness
• care
• attentiveness
• rightness
• rectitude
• attention
• probity
• seemliness
• correctitude
• gentilesse
• uprightness
• righteousness
• mannerliness
• straightness
• decorousness
• high-mindedness
• virtuousness
• character

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indecency
• impropriety
• vulgarity
• coarseness
• crudeness
• evil
• discourtesy
• incivility
• indiscretion
• indecorum
• immorality
• badness
• degradation
• imprudence
• wickedness
• gracelessness
• perversion
• depravity
• degeneracy
• impoliteness
• dishonesty
• debauchery
• crookedness
• unscrupulousness
• underhandedness

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

• morality
• integrity
• virtue
• honesty
• goodness
• morals
• ethics
• character
• rightness
• honor
• rectitude
• probity
• uprightness
• righteousness
• virtuousness
• decorum
• etiquette
• incorruptibility
• propriety
• appropriateness
• correctness
• scrupulousness
• fitness
• high-mindedness
• seemliness
• right-mindedness
• scrupulosity
• irreproachability
• irreproachableness
• decorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• evil
• immorality
• badness
• wickedness
• villainy
• sin
• indecency
• impropriety
• indiscretion
• iniquity
• degradation
• perversion
• depravity
• indecorum
• evildoing
• degeneracy
• sinfulness
• dishonesty
• debauchery
• meanness
• unscrupulousness
• viciousness
• vileness
• crookedness
• corruption
• lowness
• underhandedness
• pervertedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decency

While some issues are clearly partisan — including the country’s current economic misery, the long-running war in Iran and the attacks on the Affordable Care Act — others are grounded in basic decency. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

In making determinations, the office considers general standards of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs and values of the citizens of Texas. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026

But Americans have always expected basic decency from candidates seeking to represent their interests. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Hospital billing departments and insurance bureaucracies operate according to spreadsheets, algorithms, and procedural scripts rather than humanity and decency in judgment. — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026