decency

noun

de·​cen·​cy ˈdē-sᵊn-sē How to pronounce decency (audio)
plural decencies
Synonyms of decency
1
a
: the quality or state of being decent : propriety
b
: conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality
2
: standard of propriety
—usually plural
3
decencies plural : conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living
4
: literary decorum
5
archaic
a
: fitness
b
: orderliness

Synonyms of decency

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Examples of decency in a Sentence

Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do the right thing. Sending aid to the victims was simply a matter of common decency. If you're going to be late, please have the decency to call and let me know. Have you no sense of decency? He had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Americans have always expected basic decency from candidates seeking to represent their interests. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 The novel conveys the moral decency of one man determined to do right. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 Hospital billing departments and insurance bureaucracies operate according to spreadsheets, algorithms, and procedural scripts rather than humanity and decency in judgment. — Scott Levenson, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Having opened her home in the middle of the night, Vaughn once again strikes Kate (and me) as the very picture of decency and good faith. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decency

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 5a

Time Traveler
The first known use of decency was in 1567

Rhymes for decency

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Browse Nearby Words

decence
decency
decennary
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Cite this Entry

“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decency. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

decency

noun
de·​cen·​cy ˈdēs-ᵊn-sē How to pronounce decency (audio)
plural decencies
1
a
: the quality or state of being decent : propriety
b
: agreement with standards of taste, quality, or proper behavior
decency, not fear of punishment, made them behave
2
: a standard of proper behavior
—usually used in plural
had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies
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