1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard
there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in appropriate
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation
you'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in distinguishing
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
Follow care label on the rug for proper wash water temp.
—
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
However, the stakes have ever been only so high in this prim, proper and altogether charming world, so why change that now?
—Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
B vitamins are vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Early in the film, the Huntrix members head back to their apartment couch after a major concert, excited for a proper break.
—Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
However, the stakes have ever been only so high in this prim, proper and altogether charming world, so why change that now?
—Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
B vitamins are vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Early in the film, the Huntrix members head back to their apartment couch after a major concert, excited for a proper break.
—Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
These polite pleasantries waste precious attention.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Maikol Gabriel López Lizano was two years older than Acosta Peña, warm and polite.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That forecast proved correct; the revision was -13K per the September 5th BLS report.—
Robert Barone,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
To call Stephen Shore the most precocious photographer in the history of the medium is almost correct.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The former officials’ attorneys, represented by former Hunter Biden attorney Abbe Lowell, are seeking back pay and a formal declaration that the firings were unlawful.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The proposal has not yet been presented to the FA Board and there has been no formal vote at EFL level, either.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This sweater tank top is appropriate for fall’s crisp weather yet ideal for a warmer day spent outside.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Mop-up and patrol will continue where appropriate to secure and strengthen containment.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Since its premiere in 2011, Downton Abbey has bid audiences adieu a few times — first, with its television finale after six seasons; then, over the course of two films, any one of which could have been a satisfactory conclusion for this cadre of characters.—
Mekishana Pierre September 11,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
While the golf course renovation was not satisfactory to many people, it was needed.—
Steven Franck,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Those physically-accurate models in the digital twin of the data center function exactly like their physical counterparts in the real world.—
Marco Chiappetta,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The goal, administration officials said on a call with reporters Tuesday morning, is to use laws that are already on the books to ensure people receive transparent, accurate information about drugs, especially potential risk factors.—
Will McDuffie,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Giving Wickham a nice holiday tan would be a bridge too far for the genteel world of Jane Austen.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Scientists revealed that the 1200-volt, 400-amp power module is suitable for use in power grids and even heavy-duty vehicles such as next-generation aircraft and military vehicles.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Nonfunctional Gadgets and Tech Outdated gadgets are rarely suitable for donation.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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