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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decency
Now, more than ever in our history, there will be a burning need for people who fight for truth and decency.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to go in your library and read every book, as long as that document does not offend our own ideas of decency.
—George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
Ultimately, a person who disappears without a word, who couldn’t even offer you the decency of a conversation, doesn’t deserve so much of your time, energy, and tears.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 May 2025
That Justice Souter, in truth, does not is revealed by the many articles published since his passing, which tend to discuss his erudition, decency, and wit, and even his lunch, exercise, sartorial habits, and other charming New Englander quirks—but not so much in the way of influential writings.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to go in your library and read every book, as long as that document does not offend our own ideas of decency.
—George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
Ultimately, a person who disappears without a word, who couldn’t even offer you the decency of a conversation, doesn’t deserve so much of your time, energy, and tears.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 May 2025
That Justice Souter, in truth, does not is revealed by the many articles published since his passing, which tend to discuss his erudition, decency, and wit, and even his lunch, exercise, sartorial habits, and other charming New Englander quirks—but not so much in the way of influential writings.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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Understanding communication styles, business etiquette and decision-making processes in various regions enhances collaboration.—
Shirin Ali,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Figuring out how to show up well in in-person meetings, especially as a new hire and even more so as a junior employee, can be tough, says Daniel Post Senning, etiquette expert with the Emily Post Institute.—
Jennifer Liu,
CNBC,
3 June 2025
Noun
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To catch up on his late rent, Winston talks himself into a job at We Deliver, a transportation company with a colorful clientele whose requests can’t help but loosen one’s morality.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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With childhood increasingly recognized as a distinct stage of life and education in the later nineteenth century, school texts and children’s books were one way to suggest to children a certain sort of morality and social grounding.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The sea goat is demure and responsible and maintains decorum under pressure.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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The event itself was mostly a matter of decorum, an opportunity for Adelman to replace the usual quarter-zip with a black suit and tie while issuing his mission statement.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Even here, in an election with no clause for character, integrity and sportsmanship, Bonds couldn’t amass three-quarters of the vote.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Yes—but only for those willing to lead with foresight and integrity.—
Kumar Abhishek Narayan,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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Questions of fairness The law commands respect, and courtesy and propriety are always in order.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And as readers no doubt know by virtue of clicking on a review about a golf book, Johnson could have had so many more.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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For the Ancient Greek philosopher, the mother of all virtues was phronesis, or practical wisdom.—
Sigal Samuel,
Vox,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Rerum upheld labor unions as a proper exercise of workers’ natural rights to dignity and authentic freedom—and emphasized the obligation of the state to protect their rights and interests.—
Time,
Time,
29 May 2025
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When work doesn't offer dignity, flexibility, or a livable wage, people find their own way.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Noun
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His writing stands out for its honesty and authenticity, offering a vivid, personal chronicle of a transformative era.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
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Instead, aim to create a space where all questions are welcome, curiosity is met with calm, and honesty is part of everyday life.—
Kelsey Mora,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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