indecent

adjective

in·​de·​cent (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊnt How to pronounce indecent (audio)
Synonyms of indecentnext
: not decent: such as
a
: grossly improper or offensive
indecent language/humor
indecent photos
b
: unseemly, inappropriate
He took indecent pleasure in their troubles.
indecently adverb

Synonyms of indecent

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Examples of indecent in a Sentence

He took indecent pleasure in her troubles. paintings of nude figures are artistic, not indecent
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.
This thing that brings us into the world can so quickly be deemed indecent. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 In the before-times, leaving the house with naked nails would be as indecent as walking around in the buff. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Morris pleaded guilty in October last year in Oklahoma to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child. — Giles Hudson, CBS News, 24 June 2026 The post garnered nearly 200 comments, mostly calling the meme vulgar and indecent. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for indecent

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French indécent, from Latin indecent-, indecens, from in- + decent-, decens decent

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecent was circa 1587

Phrases Containing indecent

Rhymes for indecent

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Browse Nearby Words

indecency
indecent
indecent assault
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Cite this Entry

“Indecent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indecent

adjective
in·​de·​cent (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ənt How to pronounce indecent (audio)
: not decent or proper : coarse, vulgar
indecent language
indecently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indecent

Nglish: Translation of indecent for Spanish Speakers

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