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
  • The class counsel has argued that objectors are raising either points that were already decided, inappropriate for this forum, or unreasonable to address.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But some former students recently accused Gabbard, whose name is on the high school gym floor, of inappropriate conduct.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This distinction also means there is no improper delegation of Congress’ taxing power.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Health inspectors cited the Mexican grocery store after carnitas and chicken measured at improper holding temperatures, a repeat violation.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 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.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • But the movie only gives tiny little tastes of 1982 rock culture, and why Nebraska was so comically unsuitable for airplay.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Using incorrect or false case references in legal documents has real implications for defendants, because judges rely on these references to help form their rulings, Kjoller’s lawyers wrote.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Appeals can be made based on factors including incorrect data, adverse testing conditions, and school or community emergencies, according to the State Board of Education.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • As analysis, that’s not wrong, but where’s the sting of it inside this bizarre bonbon of a musical?
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite his brilliance and intellect, he was prevented from having a full life by being born on the wrong side of Israel’s separation fence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Pauline Collins, the exuberant British actress who inspired women — and men, too — to do something to change their unhappy lives with her Oscar-nominated and Olivier- and Tony-winning performances in Shirley Valentine, has died.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That distaste didn’t hurt Spanberger and her ticket, because 18% of those unhappy voters backed her anyway.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecorous. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indecorous

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