1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decorous
The affair grows less decorous in farcical scenes of upstairs and downstairs life — kitchen staff toiling away on blunts, a trigger-happy shooting party, and cockney pub patrons breaking out in song — and the various side plots.
—
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2025
The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
The teenager, who spoke in hushed, decorous bursts, had months earlier shot rats near a friend’s camp in Manchac, dressed the carcasses (an intricate process, given the animal’s size), and frozen their haunches.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decorous
Adjective
-
Soft spoken, very polite, a good fellow.—
Michael Biesecker,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Stribing was equal parts humble, low key and polite — not at all in keeping with the image of a diva wide receiver.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The dress code was white tie—known as the most formal dress code in the United States.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities say a homicide investigation that began in 1973 has now been brought to a formal close, more than a half-century after a woman was found dead in a Northern Virginia state forest.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Kirsten Kelly-Vargas and her husband, Gary, felt a similar urgency to acquire the proper attire for the occasion.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Ashlyn Needham wrote in Southern Living that proper hanging matters more than people realize.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Hawks shot 10-of-41 in Game 4, a respectable 13-of-33 in Game 3, 9-of-30 in Game 2 and 14-of-37 from deep in Game 1.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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His seven goals and 21 points this season were respectable for a now-21-year-old rookie, but Sandin-Pellikka’s value is predicated on his ability to move (and shoot) the puck.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Five is nice, but 17 straight is a dynasty unparalleled in City Section history.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Just the shops and the overall setting is really nice.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Quatraro asked for clarification and left the field without a satisfactory expression.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
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The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If tracking and the dizzying pace of advance ticket sales are correct, 20th Century’s Prada 2 will earn nearly $200 million in its global debut alone.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
-
If Tenev’s predictions are correct, though, crypto is likely to contribute to Robinhood’s growth in a significant but different manner.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decorous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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