indecency

noun

in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˌ)in-ˈdē-sᵊn(t)-sē How to pronounce indecency (audio)
Synonyms of indecencynext
1
: the quality or state of being indecent
a book criticized for its indecency
2
: something (such as a word or action) that is indecent
arrested for public indecency

Synonyms of indecency

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Examples of indecency in a Sentence

The book has been criticized for indecency. I was shocked by the indecency of their language. He was accused of sexual indecencies.
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.
Dillard faces multiple charges, including indecency with a child, according to court records. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 An associate pastor at a Fort Worth church was arrested Wednesday and faces indecency with a child and family violence charges, according to police and court records. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026 Recently, our president engaged in yet another of his unseemly acts, which quickly passed like so many other indecencies once fresh provocations arrived. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Gadd appeared ​at Southwark Crown Court by video link ‌from ⁠prison and denied four counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child and ​two counts ​of unlawful ⁠sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indecency

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecency was in 1589

Rhymes for indecency

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Browse Nearby Words

indecence
indecency
indecent
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Cite this Entry

“Indecency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indecency

noun
in·​de·​cen·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈdēs-ən-sē How to pronounce indecency (audio)
plural indecencies
1
: lack of decency
2
: an indecent act or word
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