1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manner
proprieties plural
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting
I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of propriety
This is a regimented world driven by ritual and propriety and a fear of seeming out of step.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Notions of propriety get in the way of happiness, insinuations overpower truth, gossip becomes currency—a game of social snakes and ladders is afoot at all times.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
Law enforcement recovered multiple digital devices belonging to Gong, some of which contained the company's propriety files.
—Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
The curtains are drawn, the wine is chilled…Wear something reckless, as though mocking propriety.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Notions of propriety get in the way of happiness, insinuations overpower truth, gossip becomes currency—a game of social snakes and ladders is afoot at all times.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
Law enforcement recovered multiple digital devices belonging to Gong, some of which contained the company's propriety files.
—Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
The curtains are drawn, the wine is chilled…Wear something reckless, as though mocking propriety.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
-
Mother thinks this is perfectly acceptable dining etiquette, especially since a finger bowl is usually not provided.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
15 Oct. 2025
-
In recent years, Asghar Farhadi, engineer of devastating renderings of couples and their often contrasting reactions to breaches of social etiquette, has been a particular favorite of both the regime and the Academy.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ability to manage growth in a manner that reflects the reasons people find Matthews attractive, create a budget that is thorough and efficient, ability to work with citizens and town leaders to maintain Matthews’ sense of self.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Information should be shared in a timely, clear, and accessible way through multiple platforms, such as email, the district website, social media, newsletters, and in-person forums, so that families can engage in the manner that works best for them.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
In the previous case, the board did not require the property owner to pursue the certificate of appropriateness because the application included rebuild plans.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Others just get giddy having a green light to upend society’s rules of decorum, even for a short window of time.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Rules of decorum The Enquirer and both candidates have set the debate rules with a strong emphasis on mutual respect for the candidates and moderator, and the opportunity for all attendees to be unhindered in their ability to listen and hear the candidates’ responses.—
Staff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Though their claims were the basis of the Amityville Horror franchise, the validity of the Lutzs' story has been heavily debated over the years.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Kinloch also has questioned the validity of a precipitous decline in violent crime reported by Detroit police last year.—
Violet Ikonomova,
Freep.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To Subu’s defenders, that logic defies both fairness and decency.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The theives don't have the common decency to eat the bulbs.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.—
Steve Hruby,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Federal courts of appeals have divided over the question of scope of applicability.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
It was considered immoral to lie and the whole point of writing things down back then was to increase morality and improve society, so there really is no didactic history of forgery.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
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Still, the Catholic Legion of Decency and other morality groups would criticize the scene as indecent.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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