INDECOROUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

indecorous

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈde-k(ə-)rəs

Definition of indecorous next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This was likewise interpreted by some as an indecorous gesture of thanks aimed at corporate sponsors. —

Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecorous

Adjective

Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Live streams and other unfiltered media can expose kids to risky or inappropriate content, so adult guidance is key.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 28 June 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

While the expiration of the enhanced ACA subsidies at the end of 2025 made insurance more expensive for millions of consumers, the HHS assistant secretary for planning and evaluation report cited efforts to crack down on improper signups.

— Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The agency is also asking visitors to the World Cup game or Fan Fest to report any unsafe or improper drone use to the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

The dogs were found to be living in unsuitable conditions, while the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and a number of the dogs had additional medical conditions as well.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
In 2023 the agency documented signs of stress in sloths during public encounters, improper handling of a juvenile kangaroo and environmental conditions deemed unsuitable for a sloth’s care.

— Katie Surma, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Giveaway.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
At the same time, The New York Times reported that Google’s AI Overviews produced incorrect answers roughly one in 10 times.

— John Davie, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

The decade was an unhappy panorama of inflation, gas shortages, military humiliation, and revelations of political corruption.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
On Tuesday, Paul urged Americans who are unhappy with the justices’ ruling to support his proposal.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026