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
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
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
There should be no place in our politics for incompetent, opportunistic operatives who violate privacy, betray trust, and prioritize vengeance over decency.
—Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 1 June 2026
That book should be read by anyone who wants his or her own life to be more Buffettesque, as measured by money or patience or self-deprecation or decency.
—Gary Sernovitz, Bloomberg, 29 May 2026
And everybody on this Earth deserves human decency.
—Nick Caloway, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 2 June 2026
There should be no place in our politics for incompetent, opportunistic operatives who violate privacy, betray trust, and prioritize vengeance over decency.
—Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 1 June 2026
That book should be read by anyone who wants his or her own life to be more Buffettesque, as measured by money or patience or self-deprecation or decency.
—Gary Sernovitz, Bloomberg, 29 May 2026
And everybody on this Earth deserves human decency.
—Nick Caloway, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
One or both of them invokes the noble name of etiquette, claiming to be enforcing proper behavior.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
-
The proper etiquette is to line up to the side of the doors, then board when the outpour of people has stopped.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
-
In a modern world where toxic online influencers like Andrew Tate and Clavicular preach sexism and looks above morality, Offerman is happy to offer a real-life alternative, in both his roles and his personal conduct.—
William Earl,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Photography is prohibited under a standing courthouse decorum order that applies to all proceedings at the courthouse.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
Actually, try to imagine any human being with the slightest sense of decorum or decency acting this way — also impossible.—
James Speyer,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
As California takes weeks to count ballots, Republicans renew their attacks on the state’s mail-in voting system and the integrity of its elections.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
14 June 2026
-
Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Or Phylicia Rashad’s Elizabeth Kirkland challenging Audra McDonald’s Dorothy Scott in a battle for social propriety?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Neither of them could keep from nudging at propriety, always eager to see what lay beneath.—
Daisy Rockwell,
Vogue,
27 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
One of the greatest virtues of this combination is its versatility.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
14 June 2026
-
Temperance is the virtue of moderation, visible when players maintain composure under pressure.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Governments and NGOs issue statements about freedom and dignity.—
Oscar Biscet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The qualities that sustain healthy families, including honesty, accountability, forgiveness, and sacrifice, cannot be purchased or given.—
David H. Rosmarin,
Time,
10 June 2026
-
The focus was on honesty in materials and construction, simple forms, and harmonious indoor-outdoor spaces, with plenty of room left over for personal flourishes that reflected the spirit of the site and lifestyle of the young family, including their 5-year-old daughter, Stevie.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
