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
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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
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Recent Examples of decency
Norvell was poached from Nevada to bring normalcy, decency, an exciting offense and success, not necessarily in that order.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Iger is threading the needle by safeguarding Disney’s brand as one that will continue to be guided by decency and respect, no matter how overheated political rhetoric becomes at times—on both sides.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Keeping your friend's personal things between the two of you is literally just basic human decency.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Their crimes are an affront to both American law and basic human decency.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Iger is threading the needle by safeguarding Disney’s brand as one that will continue to be guided by decency and respect, no matter how overheated political rhetoric becomes at times—on both sides.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Keeping your friend's personal things between the two of you is literally just basic human decency.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Their crimes are an affront to both American law and basic human decency.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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When Someone Gaslights You So what's the proper etiquette around phone usage during therapy?—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Nehmeh agrees something has gone missing in the age of remote work, noting reports of some companies offering etiquette classes to Gen Z on how to act in meetings, dress for work, and talk to clients.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Spare us the lesson in morality on peace if your goal is escalation.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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Shakur being remembered as a pillar of morality, beauty, and justice that was still, at the end of the day, human with her own emotions, and beauty routines, makes her impact everlastingly powerful.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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And the typical rules of decorum are loosened as a result — at least by golf standards.—
Bob Harkins,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Despite his reputation for decorum, Balmain could also inject a dose of sizzle.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Oct. 2025
-
There is professional integrity (as an analyst).—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As these conflicts are starting to get heated up, the politicians themselves lose track of any kind of propriety or bounds about what can and should be done in order to pursue your own political agenda.—
Nikki McCann Ramirez,
Rolling Stone,
22 Sep. 2025
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As expected, because of propriety, Barrett didn’t discuss any current cases that have been before the Supreme Court, including the order earlier this week to lift limitations on immigration stops in Los Angeles.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Growing longer, healthier hair takes a lot of patience—a virtue that clashes with social media’s instant gratification itch.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
2 Oct. 2025
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In his mind, the army was not a caste apart but an instrument of the republic – an arena in which self-command and civic virtue were tested.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Black men are not given the patience, the dignity or the humanity afforded to others.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
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Convincingly portraying a woman who regains her dignity in her quest to follow in her father’s footsteps, Hart’s performance of inscrutable sacrifice balances a regal confidence with the uneasiness of someone in perpetual survival mode.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What if leadership looked less like certainty — and more like honesty?—
Rochelle Ratkaj,
Rolling Stone,
3 Oct. 2025
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Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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