as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of improper
Democrats skewered the attorney general on issues ranging from improper redactions to the Epstein files to a lack of prosecutions over them.
—
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
The injured officer was taken to a local hospital, and three male juveniles from East Aurora High School were charged with improper walking in the roadway, obstructing and resisting a peace officer, the Facebook post from the police department said.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The higher the improper payment rate, the bigger the financial hit.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Young children are still learning what are proper and improper behaviors.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for improper
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
The injured officer was taken to a local hospital, and three male juveniles from East Aurora High School were charged with improper walking in the roadway, obstructing and resisting a peace officer, the Facebook post from the police department said.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
The higher the improper payment rate, the bigger the financial hit.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Young children are still learning what are proper and improper behaviors.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
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After Clark stepped down on Tuesday because an internal investigation unearthed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the union announced on Wednesday that Meyer will take over on an interim basis entering a pivotal year for the future of the sport.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Russia date has sparked backlash from fans, who argue that performing in Moscow during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine is inappropriate.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Its old building, constructed in 1939 for the Social Security Board, needed expensive renovations; reportedly had ancient, faulty wiring; was far too big; and was generally unsuitable for modern journalism.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
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The list of skilled talent deemed unsuitable by the coaching staff since the spring of 2024 includes the list above, married to names like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, all of whom were found wanting.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The defendants argued that Rashada had provided an incorrect retelling of events and maintained there was no deal.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling for the last name of Russ Hamilton.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Now Rubio was telling liberal centrist foreign leaders that their entire outlook was wrong, echoing the far-right populist opponents who might well unseat them in upcoming elections.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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And so the custodians became irate when photographs emerged of the actor Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette in Murphy’s show, looking all wrong on set.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The running back suffered ligament tears while dislocating his ankle, which resulted in a compound wound and replays unfit for television.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Department of Homeland Security has disputed accusations of unfit conditions.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For Adams’ Laura, its restorative properties are compromised by ever-present memories of her unhappy childhood, many of them directly associated with the family’s gorgeous summer house.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
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Competitive equity playoffs There’s still coaches unhappy with the Southern Section competitive equity playoff system using computer algorithms to place teams in divisions.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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