Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

decorous

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of decorous

1 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 of decorous

befitting, correct, de rigueur, decent, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly
Words Related to decorous

acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable

dress, dressy, formal

dignified, elegant, gracious

priggish, prim, stiff, stuffy

apt, material, relevant

compatible, congenial, harmonious

allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted
Near Antonyms of decorous

intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

casual, grungy, informal

seedy, shabby, tacky

banned, barred, disallowed

forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed

awkward, gauche, ungraceful
Antonyms of decorous

improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly

2 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

  • the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court
Synonyms of decorous

ceremonious, correct, formal, nice, proper, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted
Words Related to decorous

sober, solemn, stately

chivalrous, courtly, gallant

genteel, polished, refined

civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet
Near Antonyms of decorous

improper, indecorous, unmannerly

discourteous, impolite, rude
Antonyms of decorous

casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious

Learn More about decorous

  1. See words that rhyme with decorous Dictionary: Definition of decorous Nglish: Translation of decorous for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up decorous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

glade

an open space surrounded by woods

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games