1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decorous
Paul has to buck the prevailing suffragist movement led by Carrie Chapman Catt, whose methods are more decorous and patient.
—
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2026
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decorous
Adjective
-
The service The Sagamore’s staff is exceedingly polite and easily reachable via text message.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
While modern-day hosts don’t explicitly expect guests to bring a gift, it's still largely considered a polite and appreciated gesture.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Montenegro and Albania are seen as the frontrunners among the Western Balkans, while Ukraine and Moldova are moving closer to opening formal membership talks.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
Smooth, efficient, and impeccable, though at times, stiffly formal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Judge Wilson seemed to agree, finding in his ruling that a detective mishandled the evidence and failed to follow proper procedure.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Protests have been ongoing outside the Immigrations Customs and Enforcement detention center for nearly two weeks over allegations that the 300 inmates inside are not receiving proper medical care, aren't being adequately fed and their living conditions are poor.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Miami Dolphins’ offense perked up Wednesday, delivering a respectable showing on the second day of the team’s mandatory minicamp.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
-
Gustafsson’s game isn't about his offense despite having some elements (above-average skating and respectable handling for a big man).—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Spring peas and wild rice make a nice combo filling for sweet bell peppers!—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The mayor’s office statement indicates that resolution was satisfactory enough to lead to Yancey’s reinstatement to her high-ranking position.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
-
The keyboard on the TravelMate P6 was perfectly satisfactory in my brief stabs at typing.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Hot water heaters at the establishment were not reaching the correct temperature.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
-
Ironically, everything West says is pretty correct.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decorous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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