indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē 

1

: the quality or state of being indecent

a book criticized for its indecency

2

: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent

arrested for public indecency

Synonyms of indecency

• vulgarity
• grossness
• obscenity
• lewdness
• suggestiveness
• crudeness
• foulness
• coarseness
• lasciviousness

Examples of indecency in a Sentence

The book has been criticized for indecency.

I was shocked by the indecency of their language.

He was accused of sexual indecencies.

Recent Examples on the Web

On this day in 1895, Wilde was convicted of gross indecency for his homosexual relationships—a crime in Victorian England. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May 2026

Though her efforts garnered her hate mail, death threats, and court charges of indecency, EXPORT remained undeterred. —News Desk, Artforum, 15 May 2026

Glauner is now charged with felony public indecency for lewd exposure near school grounds and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 8 May 2026

That has given the agency the legal ability to regulate such things as indecency and obscenity, as well as commercials in children’s programming. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for indecency

• decency
• recency

Kids Definition

indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē 

plural indecencies

1

: lack of decency

2

: an indecent act or word