indecent

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊnt How to pronounce indecent (audio)
Definition of indecentnext
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society paintings of nude figures are artistic, not indecent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 indecent Étienne, however, never forgets his first tussle in the woods with Bartosz (Julian Swiezewski), a Polish trucker who saves his lover’s skin when the cops show up to arrest them and other men for indecent behavior. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 The post garnered nearly 200 comments, mostly calling the meme vulgar and indecent. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 According to his community of accusers, Swalwell is irredeemably, thoroughly, and violently indecent. — John Phillips, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026 This thing that brings us into the world can so quickly be deemed indecent. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indecent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecent
  1. obscene
  2. pornographic
  3. vulgar
  4. foul
  5. nasty
Adjective
  • These stories were reprinted in Scottish and English botanical texts, and Henrietta would have known about the obscene ideas connected with the mushroom.
    — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026
  • Jackson then allegedly drove over into another lane and swerved at the victim, while using an obscene hand gesture.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of obscene
Adjective
  • Gibson asked for pornographic images of the minor, and sent photos of himself, according to court documents.
    — Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
  • While Washington drags its feet, kids across the nation are being exposed to vile, pornographic images and ads with no meaningful safeguards to prevent it.
    — Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Definition of pornographic
Adjective
  • Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast.
    — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
  • Sean Goode, a former Canton police sergeant who was working the night of John O'Keefe's death and testified during the first Karen Read trial, allegedly sent dozens of vulgar text messages, according to an independent investigation.
    — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of vulgar
Adjective
  • Donis said multiple people reached out with complaints of a foul smell emanating from the river.
    — Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
  • Once opened, check for foul odors, cloudiness, or spurting liquid when opening.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of foul
Adjective
  • Lyndsy Fonseca, rapper Russ, Tom Cavanagh, Hunter King, Joseph Lee Anderson and Rob Riggle star in the indie film, which concerns a group of campers who run into a nasty, giant, prehistoric spider.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • At that point, a nasty nearly $7 million a day ticking fee takes effect that will find Paramount on the hook for hundreds of millions out to WBD shareholders each month until the matter gets regulatory approval.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of nasty

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indecent
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Cite this Entry

“Indecent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecent. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indecent

Nglish: Translation of indecent for Spanish Speakers

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