indecency

noun

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

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 Despite those assurances, they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge, in violation of California and federal laws against indecency and the exploitation of children, the suit alleged. Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Hargrove has also been charged with four counts of indecency with a child by contact, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure, the outlets reported. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024 Others aim no higher than merely being clothed, thus avoiding a chill, a demotion or a short, vivid prison term on charges of indecency. Dale Hrabi, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023 Messages about drug dealers, a guy with a knife, instances of public indecency. Lauren Smiley, WIRED, 7 Nov. 2023 However, some celebs like Jenner and Rihanna have gone in another direction, keeping things tight up top while rocking a pair of tights to avoid getting hit with any public indecency charges. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2023 The bill’s restrictions extend to mannequins and toys, which are banned from being portrayed with indecency. Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 21 Sep. 2023 Because his son recanted testimony against him, a San Antonio man has been exonerated 32 years after he was found guilty of indecency with a child and sent to prison. Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Feb. 2023 He was sentenced to life in prison for the first charge, 20 years each for three counts of indecency and 10 years for the final count, to be served concurrently, according to court documents. Lana Ferguson, Dallas News, 2 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indecency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecency was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near indecency

Cite this Entry

“Indecency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecency. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on indecency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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