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
In the Garden of Memory is full of that decency.
—
Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Under the new policy, the DMV will no longer automatically reject plate requests containing specific LGBTQ terminology, provided the messages meet standard decency and appropriateness criteria that apply to all personalized plates.
—Evan Moore
december 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025
While homosexuality isn’t outlawed in Egypt, members of the LGBTQ+ community can be prosecuted for violating public decency laws.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
That is defending truth, decency, humanity, democracy, net neutrality, and the $5 foot-long.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Under the new policy, the DMV will no longer automatically reject plate requests containing specific LGBTQ terminology, provided the messages meet standard decency and appropriateness criteria that apply to all personalized plates.
—Evan Moore
december 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025
While homosexuality isn’t outlawed in Egypt, members of the LGBTQ+ community can be prosecuted for violating public decency laws.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
That is defending truth, decency, humanity, democracy, net neutrality, and the $5 foot-long.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
The short video clip sparked online debate about culture, class and proper etiquette for eating certain foods.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Taking the high-road—and practicing good meeting etiquette—can ultimately be an effective way to earn recognition, show genuine commitment, and build credibility.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The death of Amini in the custody of the morality police became a symbol of systemic repression, particularly against women.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Cami trying to bring morality to the oil industry sure sounds nice, but she would be eaten alive.—
William Earl,
Variety,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Usually, nothing happens, because that’s the beauty of us everywhere, there’s the same story, just the decorum changes and the dynamic changes.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Others just get giddy having a green light to upend society’s rules of decorum, even for a short window of time.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
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
-
Lawrence is liberated from anything resembling propriety or self-consciousness here.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Using the formal language of propriety to mask a slap in the face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In a sector where sustainability often stops at the label, this model carries the virtue of being both circular and selfless.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Just as personal vices can shape the course of an individual life, so too can national vices influence our collective experience, maybe as much as our virtues—or possibly even more.—
Dan Brooks,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Crown and dignity Catalina Ruiz Navarro, a Colombian feminist activist and journalist based in Mexico City, argued that the nature of beauty pageants like Miss Universe places women in a patriarchal position.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
There is no dignity, and no justice, in a system that buries an elderly woman alive in silence.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Someone could surprise you with honesty, or a connection could flip overnight.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
But Seehorn learned through Gould on Saul that honesty in any direction leads to the respect of an audience, not shameless pandering.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share