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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decorous
They’re totally fictionalized and, in their own way, the intrusive projections of what Morgan might’ve thought happened between the two, but what he’s imagined is decorous and dramatically unsatisfying.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 July 2024
At the time, this decorous attire was standard at bowling alleys, where women often wore dresses or skirts.
—Gabe Bullard, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2024
Compared to these scenes, the contemporary killer gams is downright decorous, even if the showstopping slit required to enable it in the dress Ferguson wears in Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation isn’t.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
The politesse of reassurance may be desirable and decorous, but U.S. allies are not about to abandon their patron.
—Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 July 2024
At the time, this decorous attire was standard at bowling alleys, where women often wore dresses or skirts.
—Gabe Bullard, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2024
Compared to these scenes, the contemporary killer gams is downright decorous, even if the showstopping slit required to enable it in the dress Ferguson wears in Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation isn’t.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024
The politesse of reassurance may be desirable and decorous, but U.S. allies are not about to abandon their patron.
—Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
See All Example Sentences for decorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decorous
Adjective
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Interaction with the clients is very polite, very kind—but very short.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Grownups in his life describe him as friendly, polite, curious, bright, and playful.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Photo : Jason Rick Decorative wallpaper accents the formal dining room.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2025
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As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The chairman alleged Sherman colluded with some board members to wrest control by making changes to the board’s composition by appointing two new directors without proper vetting by the nominations committee.—
Jonathan Burgos,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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The on and off ramps at Exit 74 on I-95 lack the proper acceleration and deceleration lanes that merge on and off I-95.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages.—
Staff Reports,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
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Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.—
Lizzie Hyman,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Kyle Palmieri and Alexander Romanov scored the two goals for the Islanders, who now sport a respectable 13-12-5 away record.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
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The 7-6 Hurricanes finished in the bottom half of the ACC and averaged a respectable 31.5 points per game.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Creating comedy in which the principal characters are involved in crime does require some balance — worse criminals to contrast with the nicer ones, or a deserving or faceless target, or, as here, no other option.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2025
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Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the overall atmosphere and design of the restaurant are aesthetically pleasing, the menu is just as satisfactory.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
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Employees in Idaho and across the U.S. say their termination letters blamed their performance despite histories of satisfactory reviews.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In short: There’s no correct answer; no handbook dictating the exact right way to preserve an entire country’s cultural history.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
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Put differently, pollsters failed to set the correct expectations for 2024.—
Clifford Young,
The Conversation,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decorous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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