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 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 Both Diaz and Daichendt are old enough to remember the days when these cultures were seen as indecorous and even dangerous. San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2022 Hurston often ran afoul of her contemporaries because of her indecorous proclamations. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2022 However indecorous her comments, those facts take her commentary out of the purview of the school district. Arkansas Online, 2 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecorous
Adjective
  • Originally a producer on the project, he was fired for cause after at least one incident of inappropriate behavior on Runner that included bullying and yelling at crew.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • Screenshot inappropriate gun marketing content and circulate it.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Also check into the warranty and the return policy since improper care can void the warranty.
    Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
  • And while ear piercing is generally safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists several adverse outcomes to improper piercing and piercing care, such as infection at the piercing site, bloodstream infections, allergic reactions, cuts and tears, and keloid formation.
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • But regulations that apply to traditional markets are unsuitable for digital native assets like crypto and digital assets.
    Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The vacant land, which was largely unsuitable for agriculture, became an albatross over the next few decades.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Common factors that contribute to misconfigurations include: • Human Error: Typing mistakes, syntax errors or incorrect command sequences.
    Alexander Britkin, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • That is the correct decision for her and her game, but also the incorrect decision for all of us at home watching a television program.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ship was heading the wrong direction The training ship arrived at New York's Pier 17 and was open to the public to visit from May 13 to 17, according to the Mexican Consulate in New York.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The Final Destination: The NASCAR incident The opening disaster of The Final Destination is a NASCAR race gone horribly wrong.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, the Palestinians are unhappy with the speed of FIFA’s inquiries.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Their presidential candidate, Erika Meza, a 25-year veteran teacher from the Southeast Side, is unhappy with what CTU has come to symbolize.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecorous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indecorous

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