as in incorrectly
in a mistaken or inappropriate way
the manufacturer's warranty is no longer valid if the appliance is used improperly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of improperly
Last week, critics accused the FCC’s Carr of improperly exerting pressure on ABC and local broadcasters to cancel Kimmel — and that his threats were tantamount to a First Amendment violation.
—
Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Avoid raw pumpkin that's been improperly washed, cooked, or prepared.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
Earlier this year, attorneys for the state accused Shineth Gonzales of improperly providing legal services to immigrants.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Leisure Investments violated its lease by treating its animals poorly and keeping the Seaquarium’s grounds improperly maintained, according to city officials.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
The lawsuit also claims taxpayer funds were improperly used to pay for an investigation by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, which fueled calls for Corpus’s ouster, and describes the probe as a pretext to discredit her administration.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Pineiroa and Bryan face an additional lawsuit from a Washington County woman who claims her vehicle was improperly seized by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.
—Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Paper towels were improperly stored outside the dispensers at handwashing stations in the kitchen and restroom.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Encouraging private employers to fire people for expressing certain viewpoints risks encouraging viewpoint discrimination, chilling free speech, and may improperly challenge state laws that protect speech and off-duty conduct.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Avoid raw pumpkin that's been improperly washed, cooked, or prepared.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
Earlier this year, attorneys for the state accused Shineth Gonzales of improperly providing legal services to immigrants.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Leisure Investments violated its lease by treating its animals poorly and keeping the Seaquarium’s grounds improperly maintained, according to city officials.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
The lawsuit also claims taxpayer funds were improperly used to pay for an investigation by retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, which fueled calls for Corpus’s ouster, and describes the probe as a pretext to discredit her administration.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Pineiroa and Bryan face an additional lawsuit from a Washington County woman who claims her vehicle was improperly seized by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.
—Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Paper towels were improperly stored outside the dispensers at handwashing stations in the kitchen and restroom.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Encouraging private employers to fire people for expressing certain viewpoints risks encouraging viewpoint discrimination, chilling free speech, and may improperly challenge state laws that protect speech and off-duty conduct.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improperly
Adverb
-
An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated that the plan was published in a staff report.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
According to emails reviewed by KFF Health News, a Bozeman Health billing employee incorrectly told Buttgereit the law applies only to ER services.—
Katheryn Houghton,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Ty Anthony Sage, 26, was mistakenly released on bail on Monday, officials said.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
-
While Keanu mistakenly believed Vince would finally take a shot at flirtmance partner Morgan Pope, the Head of Household took the shot at Keanu instead.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The story also said erroneously that Stripe took a cut of each transaction.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Some content creators on platforms including YouTube and TikTok mentioned Dahle’s plea agreement in videos, but also erroneously pointed to the judge as the source of the agreement.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The earliest accusation came in 1993 when the stepdaughter claimed to relatives that Errol touched her inappropriately at the family’s home.—
Nicole Acosta,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
-
In April 2024, Timothy Daugherty was pulled from his substitute teaching job at Spring Mills Elementary School in Highland Township after he was accused and later charged with inappropriately touching six victims, who were 9 to 11 years old.—
Lily Altavena,
Freep.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Improperly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improperly. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share