as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
an indecorous joke for a solemn moment in the marriage ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 indecorous
Australian screenwriter McNamara’s comic sensibilities are more in line with English than American humor — which brings the plus of scathing wit, if also the minus of a certain decorum even in outbursts of indecorous fury.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
The massive tag is gone now but something just as indecorous seems likely to replace it.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
With round-the-clock musicians, magicians, comedians, blue men and white Bengal tigers, the Strip became the premier global destination not just for indecorous gambling, but also for family-friendly entertainment.
—Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024
Now five seasons old, The Constructivists also have taken a step up in ambition by casting local veteran James Pickering as David, the latest in a run of wild, unhinged and indecorous old men the septuagenarian has brought to life on stage.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2023
Even a white-collar defendant’s photograph of himself holding a baseball bat next to a prosecutor’s photo might be easily dismissed as indecorous, but free, speech.
—Elliot Williams, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023
There was a palpable undercurrent of dissatisfaction among offensive players – grumbling about the predictability of the offense and what looked like indecorous snickering when the locker room opened.
—Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Dec. 2022
Hurston often ran afoul of her contemporaries because of her indecorous proclamations.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2022
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
The massive tag is gone now but something just as indecorous seems likely to replace it.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024
With round-the-clock musicians, magicians, comedians, blue men and white Bengal tigers, the Strip became the premier global destination not just for indecorous gambling, but also for family-friendly entertainment.
—Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024
Now five seasons old, The Constructivists also have taken a step up in ambition by casting local veteran James Pickering as David, the latest in a run of wild, unhinged and indecorous old men the septuagenarian has brought to life on stage.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2023
Even a white-collar defendant’s photograph of himself holding a baseball bat next to a prosecutor’s photo might be easily dismissed as indecorous, but free, speech.
—Elliot Williams, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023
There was a palpable undercurrent of dissatisfaction among offensive players – grumbling about the predictability of the offense and what looked like indecorous snickering when the locker room opened.
—Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Dec. 2022
Hurston often ran afoul of her contemporaries because of her indecorous proclamations.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecorous
Adjective
-
After Clark stepped down on Tuesday because an internal investigation unearthed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the union announced on Wednesday that Meyer will take over on an interim basis entering a pivotal year for the future of the sport.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The Russia date has sparked backlash from fans, who argue that performing in Moscow during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine is inappropriate.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet complaints of improper and fraudulent enrollment have surged since the pandemic.—
Bloomberg Opinion,
Twin Cities,
15 Feb. 2026
-
These symptoms can indicate bacterial or fungal problems, pests, or improper care like too much or too little water.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a significant issue for a project intended for deep-space mission launches, microgravity research, and space manufacturing – only for it to be found unsuitable for any of those goals, largely due to the presence of the astronauts themselves.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Its old building, constructed in 1939 for the Social Security Board, needed expensive renovations; reportedly had ancient, faulty wiring; was far too big; and was generally unsuitable for modern journalism.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The defendants argued that Rashada had provided an incorrect retelling of events and maintained there was no deal.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling for the last name of Russ Hamilton.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The pursuit ended after Nipp turned off his headlights and drove into the wrong lane in an attempt to lose the officers.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
21 Feb. 2026
-
What’s wrong with being uncomfortable and plowing through demanding texts that challenge us to think about bygone times, far-off places and painful emotions, poignantly expressed?—
Patricia Steckler,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For Adams’ Laura, its restorative properties are compromised by ever-present memories of her unhappy childhood, many of them directly associated with the family’s gorgeous summer house.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Competitive equity playoffs There’s still coaches unhappy with the Southern Section competitive equity playoff system using computer algorithms to place teams in divisions.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecorous. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
