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
Let’s use tonight as a reminder of that decency, and as a reminder of everything Rob and Michele represented and fought so hard for.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh is also known to love the idea of working for John Mara, a popular league elder known for his common decency.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Robert Dunham, an attorney and director of the Death Penalty Policy Project, said spiritual advisers in the context of executions are a matter of constitutional rights — and human decency.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 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, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh is also known to love the idea of working for John Mara, a popular league elder known for his common decency.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Robert Dunham, an attorney and director of the Death Penalty Policy Project, said spiritual advisers in the context of executions are a matter of constitutional rights — and human decency.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 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, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
On that Tuesday night in November, as on most Tuesdays, the room was being used as a classroom for Ruzicka and more than two dozen others to learn the dances and social etiquette of the 19th century English ballroom.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Kenney said older guests tend to be more attuned to tipping etiquette.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was killed in custody after being arrested by the morality police for improperly wearing her hijab.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
-
During the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death of the young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, Pahlavi called for rallies against the Iranian government in the United States, Canada and other countries.—
Eric Lob,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Earlier on Thursday, Judge Curtis Faber rejected Weinstein's bid for a new trial in Haley's case, ruling juror complaints about decorum in the deliberation room were adequately addressed.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Maine Democrat, a former Marine, has always conducted himself with decorum and seriousness.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Our students, families, and taxpayers deserve leaders who put the best interests of the community first, not individuals who appear focused on protecting one another instead of protecting the integrity of our school system.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For decades, the Supreme Court and Congress have recognized the propriety of administrative warrants in cases of immigration enforcement.—
Charlie De Mar,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
For decades, the Supreme Court and Congress have recognized the propriety of administrative warrants in cases of immigration enforcement.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe Albro would raise concerns that the police weren’t doing enough to protect young women’s virtues, or Matthews would criticize the lack of a similar dragnet to find the killer of Mary Tate.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The author’s work makes an excellent case that literature can explore virtue—even if his latest novel reveals its pitfalls.—
Julius Taranto,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This week, Nick Ripatrazone joins Drew to talk about how generative AI is taking away the very dignity of life and why the process is the point of art-making.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
-
She was denied her freedom, her dignity, and even the most basic autonomy.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This communicates self-awareness, honesty, and long-term reliability.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
This is the year relationships and commitments stop being theoretical and start demanding structure and honesty.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
