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
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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
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Recent Examples of decency
There is no procedure that supersedes basic decency.
—
Daryl Campbell, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Because Sterling exudes decency as a human being, and this character is so hard and quiet and [an] old-school action hero.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Terry is a force of human nature, a one-man battering ram who still manages to maintain decorum and decency in the absence of others showing him any such courtesy.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 June 2025
And no one has strayed more than Danielle: straying from the light, straying from human decency, and, if the literary and cultural touchstone Cop Without a Badge is to be believed, straying from the law.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Daryl Campbell, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Because Sterling exudes decency as a human being, and this character is so hard and quiet and [an] old-school action hero.
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Terry is a force of human nature, a one-man battering ram who still manages to maintain decorum and decency in the absence of others showing him any such courtesy.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 June 2025
And no one has strayed more than Danielle: straying from the light, straying from human decency, and, if the literary and cultural touchstone Cop Without a Badge is to be believed, straying from the law.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decency
Noun
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Just as ticket holders are to uphold a certain level of etiquette during matches, the players are expected to do the same.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 July 2025
-
Here, etiquette experts weigh in on how to navigate pay-what-you-want scenarios.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Set to hit shelves in February 2026, Maryk's novel adopts the time-travel fiction of The Midnight Library and The Book of Doors while raising major questions about mortality, morality and more.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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However, Harry Potter is not a straightforward morality tale about technology.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 June 2025
Noun
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In keeping with House decorum rules, members can't use the platform to disparage other members.—
Mary Jo Pitzl,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
-
Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Noun
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By taking these steps, your recommendation will effectively showcase your nephew's potential while upholding the integrity of the hiring process and fostering workplace harmony.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Candor Formal boards are bound by duty and propriety, while informal advisory boards have no set duties.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Questions of spectacle and propriety circled the Mütter even then, but Worden’s ample charisma, her confidence in the validity of her own fascination, seemed largely able to keep them at bay.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
High-net-worth individuals, particularly business owners, professionals and investors, often face elevated exposure to legal risk simply by virtue of their visibility and success.—
Blake Harris,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Just by virtue of being president, Trump has bolstered this belief of mine.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Noun
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We must be reminded of the meaning and importance of human dignity, freedom and equality in each generation, especially as those ideals are expressed in the Declaration of Independence.—
Hans Zeiger,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 July 2025
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Somehow Harold had found out, and come to sit with me, and out of respect for my dignity had never mentioned it afterward.—
Nicole Krauss,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Then, the full moon in Capricorn on July 10 puts a spotlight on your work-life balance, forcing you to juggle your health and daily responsibilities with honesty, integrity and pragmatism.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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There is honesty in his acting where the emotions that play across Superman/Clark Kent’s face and body come from deep within.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
HollywoodReporter,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decency. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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