1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
the standards of basic decency demanded that they help the old lady with her groceries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in morality
conduct that conforms to an accepted standard of right and wrong
expected all of the scouts in his troop to be models of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 decency
The film’s simple, sympathetic decency lends it powerful authenticity — Russell in real life lost his hands while in the Army — that articulated the trauma of PTSD before it was widely understood.
12.
—
Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
His public defense team, led by Anne Taylor, has tried — to no avail — to remove capital punishment as a sentencing option, arguing that the death penalty is unconstitutional, breaks with evolving standards of decency and is arbitrarily applied.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Mar. 2025
How it got expressed in Tony was not sharp elbows, but a boundless, Midwestern good nature, and decency.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Dudes are fighting for everything on the line... Have the decency to look a man in his eyes and not walk away.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
His public defense team, led by Anne Taylor, has tried — to no avail — to remove capital punishment as a sentencing option, arguing that the death penalty is unconstitutional, breaks with evolving standards of decency and is arbitrarily applied.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Mar. 2025
How it got expressed in Tony was not sharp elbows, but a boundless, Midwestern good nature, and decency.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Dudes are fighting for everything on the line... Have the decency to look a man in his eyes and not walk away.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
-
The majority of post commenters agreed that the partial invitation felt like a wedding etiquette faux pas.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
According to Newsweek's guide to plane etiquette, remaining calm, accommodating and patient can greatly enhance the travel experience for all involved.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Any further exploration into the play's themes of toxic masculinity, morality, and corruption, however, have been largely left at the wayside in favor of watching these men work.—
Emlyn Travis,
EW.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
In Duplicity, Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Meagan Tandy and Kat Graham take on roles that challenge perception, morality, and trust.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Finding that members continue to engage in willful and concerted disruption of proper decorum, the chair now directs the sergeant at arms to restore order.—
NPR,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The biggest challenges facing Coral Gables are public safety, irresponsible development, a lack of transparency and a lack of decorum in government.—
Miami Herald Staff,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Alex Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
3 Apr. 2025
-
This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This version of Evangelina—the one that’s the picture of propriety —is the one that has endured until now.—
Laura Gómez,
Scientific American,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Ibsen was exploding bourgeois hypocrisy by cramming his plot with taboos, then asserting that the greatest sin was the propriety that kept people from speaking frankly and living freely.—
Helen Shaw,
The New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Kings hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their 2-1 lead in the season series.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
They are sent off to a grandmother in Ontario who is the epitome of cold, self-righteous Protestant virtue.—
Margaret Atwood,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
They can be done with respect for human dignity and with respect for the law — and they're not being done that way now.—
Tonya Mosley,
NPR,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The effort was framed as a check on the destruction and loss of civilian life in Gaza—an issue that evokes deep concern for many, including Jews, who overwhelmingly stand for justice and human dignity.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Both Chien and Salonga emphasized the honesty and openness that characterize their relationship.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Senior leaders should deliver feedback with honesty and respect, focusing on behaviors, not personalities.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share