decency
noun
de·cen·cy
ˈdē-sᵊn-sē 
plural decencies
1
2
: standard of propriety
—usually used in plural
3
decencies plural
: conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living
4
: literary decorum
5
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
The fact that Conan was (usually) operating from a position of decency made these comedy kill shots all the more delightful.
—
Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Toby Jones stars as Alan Bates, a British sub-postmaster who radiates decency and integrity.
—Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decency 
Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Toby Jones stars as Alan Bates, a British sub-postmaster who radiates decency and integrity.
—Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near decency
Cite this Entry
“Decency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decency. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decency
noun
de·cen·cy
ˈdēs-ᵊn-sē
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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