Courtesy
Courtesy noun - An act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners.
Usage example: the greeting “How are you?” is often intended as no more than a courtesy
Decorum is a synonym for courtesy in refinement topic. In some cases you can use "Decorum" instead a noun "Courtesy", when it comes to topics like propriety.
Nearby Word: courteous
Decorum
Decorum noun - Socially acceptable behavior.
Usage example: high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera
Courtesy is a synonym for decorum in refinement topic. You can use "Courtesy" instead a noun "Decorum", if it concerns topics such as politeness, propriety.
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
- She views courtesy and decorum as of the utmost importance (to the point that she killed the previous owners of her Inn room because they decided to scream in terror instead of greeting her politely), anyone killing plants puts her swiftly into This Is Unforgivable!
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Pickwick, with a gallantry that would have done honour to a descendant of Lady Tollimglower herself, took the old lady by the hand, led her beneath the mystic branch, and saluted her in all courtesy and decorum.
Source: Under the Mistletoe -
The Five Stresses (things which are to be stressed in life) are decorum, courtesy, public health, discipline and morals.
Source: Measuring the Marigolds
Cite this Source
Decorum and Courtesy. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtesy/decorum
Courtesy & Decorum. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtesy/decorum>.
Decorum or Courtesy. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/courtesy/decorum.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "courtesy" and "decorum" have occurred on timeline