Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indecorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indecorous are improper, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When could improper be used to replace indecorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to indecorous, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than indecorous?

Although the words indelicate and indecorous have much in common, indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Where would unbecoming be a reasonable alternative to indecorous?

In some situations, the words unbecoming and indecorous are roughly equivalent. However, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When might unseemly be a better fit than indecorous?

The meanings of unseemly and indecorous largely overlap; however, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecorous
Adjective
  • And if the gifts this year are inappropriate, the fault will rest solely with him.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • After Ansari set Being Mortal as his directorial debut in February 2022, also set to star alongside Murray, Deadline reported exclusively that April that Searchlight Pictures had suspended production following allegations of inappropriate behavior against Murray.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Edward Kabacinski pleaded no contest to improper possession of a firearm, according to online Macomb County Circuit Court records.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But Vance recently urged Americans to call the employers of those who posted improper sentiments about slain activist Charlie Kirk.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That wing is usually reserved for prisoners who are considered unsuitable to be kept among the prison’s general population, usually out of fears for their safety.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Financial promotion rules prevent inappropriate marketing to unsuitable investors.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not entirely incorrect; Hellebuyck has been closer to league-average than Hart-caliber thus far.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Scientists, meteorologists, and other branches of the federal government say these assertions are largely incorrect.
    Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Human nature, however, urges us to do the exact wrong thing.
    Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There's a quote from The Office that's always stuck with me for all the wrong reasons.
    Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following Dombrowski’s comments and his belief that Harper is unhappy with his current contract situation, Sherman opened the door to a potential offseason trade that sends Harper elsewhere.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • People who will be sent there include those who let their poor unhappy doggies bark endlessly, those who throw trash on the beach and those who hunt exotic animals for sport.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecorous. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indecorous

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