propriety

noun

pro·​pri·​e·​ty prə-ˈprī-ə-tē 

plural proprieties

1

: the quality or state of being proper or suitable : appropriateness

2

a

: conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech

b

proprieties plural : the customs and manners of polite society

c

: fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes

3

obsolete : true nature

4

obsolete : a special characteristic : peculiarity

Did you know?

In an earlier era, when social manners were far more elaborate than they are today, propriety and impropriety were words in constant use. Today we're more likely to use them in other contexts. We may talk about the propriety of government officials' dealings with private citizens, the propriety of the relationship between a lawyer and a judge, or the impropriety of speaking out of turn in a meeting that follows Robert's rules of order. Relations between men and women still present questions of propriety, but today it's often in the workplace rather than in social settings. Wherever rules, principles, and standard procedures have been clearly stated, propriety can become an issue. Something improper usually isn't actually illegal, but it makes people uncomfortable by giving the impression that something isn't quite right.

Synonyms of propriety

• etiquette
• decorum
• decency
• morality
• prudence
• form

Examples of propriety in a Sentence

If Madison felt the same annoyance with the dissenters, his prim sense of political propriety forbade him from stooping to personal attacks. —Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings …, 1996

His austere and basically humble personality imposes a curious damp propriety upon his memorial. —John Updike, New Yorker, 1 July 1991

In contemporary America the appearance of prosperity is all too often taken as a sign of propriety. —Jack Beatty, Atlantic, December 1989

She conducted herself with propriety.

They debated the propriety of the punishment that he was given.

When attending a wedding, there are certain proprieties that must be observed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ethel moves Carolyn’s bags to another room in keeping with propriety; this is a Catholic family, mind you. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

But the cult of quiet-luxury propriety that has sprung up around the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (also known as CBK) protects the fit of her cords and the length of her sweaters like sacred laws. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026

And a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? —David Remnick, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

And a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? —Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English propriete "distinctive quality, proper meaning of a word, propriety, fitness, ownership, land or goods owned" — more at property

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for propriety

• anxiety
• impiety
• satiety
• sobriety
• society
• variety
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• contrariety
• impropriety
• inebriety
• notoriety

Kids Definition

propriety

noun

pro·​pri·​ety

p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ē

plural proprieties

1

: the quality or state of being proper

questioned the propriety of expelling him for such a minor offense

2

: correctness in manners or behavior : politeness

3

plural : the rules and customs of behavior followed by polite people