1
a
: corresponding in size, degree, or intensity
b
: having the same or a constant ratio
corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional
2
: regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions
a proportional system of immigration quotas
a proportional font/typeface [=a font/typeface with characters of various widths]
Examples of proportional in a Sentence
Adjective
The features of the face in the drawing are proportional.
the website's popularity increased exponentially, resulting in a proportional increase in advertising revenue
Recent Examples on the Web
IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2017
The bottom line: Arkansas would need to add 20 moms to the legislature to achieve representation proportional with the population of the U.S., the report said.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Feras Moussa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
The trust would be repaid gradually through revenue generated by writers themselves, supported by proportional contributions from labels, pubs, PROs and all broadcast platforms–essentially all entities who profit from the use of songs.
—Jeff Rabhan, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proportional
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Noun
This sensor uses an enzyme that catalyzes glucose to create hydrogen peroxide, which is further oxidized at the electrode to release electrons, thus generating an electrical current proportional to the glucose concentration.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2017
The bottom line: Arkansas would need to add 20 moms to the legislature to achieve representation proportional with the population of the U.S., the report said.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Passive investors who contribute capital to the deal and receive a proportional share of income and profits.
—Feras Moussa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
The trust would be repaid gradually through revenue generated by writers themselves, supported by proportional contributions from labels, pubs, PROs and all broadcast platforms–essentially all entities who profit from the use of songs.
—Jeff Rabhan, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proportional
Cite this Entry
“Proportional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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