INDECOROUS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'indecorous' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indecorous are improper , indelicate , unbecoming , and unseemly . While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners. // indecorous behavior

Q: When could 'improper' be used to replace 'indecorous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to indecorous , improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method. // improper use of campaign contributions

Q: When is 'indelicate' a more appropriate choice than 'indecorous'?

Although the words indelicate and indecorous have much in common, indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling. // indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Q: Where would 'unbecoming' be a reasonable alternative to 'indecorous'?

In some situations, the words unbecoming and indecorous are roughly equivalent. However, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status. // conduct unbecoming to an officer

Q: When might 'unseemly' be a better fit than 'indecorous'?

The meanings of unseemly and indecorous largely overlap; however, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste. // remarried with unseemly haste

indecorous

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈde-k(ə-)rəs

Definition of indecorous

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an indecorous joke for a solemn moment in the marriage ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective indecorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indecorous are improper, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When could improper be used to replace indecorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to indecorous, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than indecorous?

Although the words indelicate and indecorous have much in common, indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Where would unbecoming be a reasonable alternative to indecorous?

In some situations, the words unbecoming and indecorous are roughly equivalent. However, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When might unseemly be a better fit than indecorous?

The meanings of unseemly and indecorous largely overlap; however, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of indecorous Still, the quips here feel both recycled and indecorous, as if misogyny and the #MeToo Movement are just ideas to laugh at. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026 This was likewise interpreted by some as an indecorous gesture of thanks aimed at corporate sponsors. — Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Australian screenwriter McNamara’s comic sensibilities are more in line with English than American humor — which brings the plus of scathing wit, if also the minus of a certain decorum even in outbursts of indecorous fury. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025 The massive tag is gone now but something just as indecorous seems likely to replace it. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 With round-the-clock musicians, magicians, comedians, blue men and white Bengal tigers, the Strip became the premier global destination not just for indecorous gambling, but also for family-friendly entertainment. — Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 Now five seasons old, The Constructivists also have taken a step up in ambition by casting local veteran James Pickering as David, the latest in a run of wild, unhinged and indecorous old men the septuagenarian has brought to life on stage. — Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2023 Even a white-collar defendant’s photograph of himself holding a baseball bat next to a prosecutor’s photo might be easily dismissed as indecorous, but free, speech. — Elliot Williams, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023 There was a palpable undercurrent of dissatisfaction among offensive players – grumbling about the predictability of the offense and what looked like indecorous snickering when the locker room opened. — Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Dec. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecorous

Adjective

The Portland Trail Blazers fired new play-by-play television broadcaster Braiden Bell on Thursday when past inappropriate social media posts resurfaced just hours after the team announced his hiring.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Sheriff’s officials said, investigators as of Thursday had not uncovered evidence indicating Chen had inappropriate physical contact with a child.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Electrical issues — like faulty wiring, overloaded power strips, and improper extension cord usage — are the leading cause of fatal fires so far this year.

— Lillian Bonsignore, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
The action comes as Livingston locals raised concerns about the film’s impact on local business — and notably the city’s sole food bank — as well as improper notification about hazardous stunts.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

And the religious character of this language is by no means unsuitable to this project of science that was bathed in biblical metaphors from the get-go—Code name Trinity, to cite just one example.

— Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
Like other foods, bird seed is perishable and will spoil if it’s kept in unsuitable conditions.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Its success made Cohn a rich, if unhappy, man, at least for a long while.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
What appeared to be a fairly normal election for a president halfway through his term — a probable setback, as unhappy voters register their discontent — has the potential, Cook said, to turn into a disaster for Republicans.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of unhappy

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“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecorous. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of indecorous

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