DECOROUS Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

decorous

adjective

ˈde-kər-əs

Definition of decorous

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

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court

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 decorous But such disagreements tended to be handled with the decorous language of diplomacy. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Its decorous leaves are not even an inch long. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026 Pentagon leaders have almost always publicly couched the military’s use of violence in decorous euphemisms designed to show the solemnity of lethality. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for decorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decorous

Adjective

Tonight's format, with Georgians asking the questions of candidates, meant a very polite back-and-forth between Jackson and Bottoms dominated the first half of the debate.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Cagle added that the photo showed a confident, brilliant, brave, polite, gracious, kind and gentle young man.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

In one of those roles, the chair assembled a formal transition committee that met with me throughout my first six months.

— Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of formal

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

Definition of ceremonious

Adjective

Those are respectable numbers, but fans have been clamoring for more game-changing plays from a pass rusher who terrorized opposing offensive linemen during training camp.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Turning up the volume on their performance made Miami’s defense respectable for three quarters of Sunday’s loss to the Vikings.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of respectable

Adjective

Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

After months of negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement, the union approved strike action earlier this month in a vote held in tandem with unions at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
The effort displayed by Kansas’ 14 men’s basketball players at Bill Self’s 24th annual Boot Camp proved satisfactory to the Hall of Fame Jayhawks coach.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

There was just one white—Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2025—so everyone got that one correct.

— Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
During radiotherapy, small tattoos can help clinicians repeatedly align radiation beams with the correct treatment area.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

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decorative

decorous

decorously

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“Decorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decorous. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of decorous

adjective

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