1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decorous
The affair grows less decorous in farcical scenes of upstairs and downstairs life — kitchen staff toiling away on blunts, a trigger-happy shooting party, and cockney pub patrons breaking out in song — and the various side plots.
—
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decorous
Adjective
-
That’s not English society, that’s every society, at least every polite society.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
-
This is the true story…of two strangers… picked to work together… and have their lives taped…to find out what happens… when people stop being polite…and start getting real.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
This ritual, known as 'Sukye-sik,' is a formal ceremony where followers vow to live according to Buddhist teachings.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
-
For years, conservative politicians and commentators have portrayed it as a coordinated extremist threat, though law enforcement assessments have generally described it as decentralized and lacking formal leadership.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
These aren’t just any Airstreams, but ones that have been outfitted to include amenities like a little kitchenette for your morning coffee, a small couch, and a proper shower and restroom.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Christensen disclosed his relationship with school psychology professor Bryn Harris to the university through the proper channels in late 2025, according to CU’s vice president of communications, Michele Ames.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The film got an A- CinemaScore, respectable critic reviews, and theaters themselves helped activate their audiences.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
-
Gustafsson’s game isn't about his offense despite having some elements (above-average skating and respectable handling for a big man).—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
One thing that makes Vim comfortable for me is the combination of Vim-Airline and Promptline, which together provide a nice status bar that helps highlight some useful info as one is editing a file.—
Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
6 May 2026
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Right now, trends favor nice and pleasant weather Mother's Day morning into mid-afternoon with the chance of rain increasing toward the dinner hour and beyond.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
The call wasn’t satisfactory for Perez.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
3 May 2026
-
The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The correct volume is 165 million metric tons.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
-
Reinsdorf feels Graham is the correct solution to these problems.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decorous. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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