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
Galvan won the race by just one vote, but was booted from office when a judge determined at least four improper ballots had been cast.
—
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Records show the aircraft had flown only 2½ hours since its last inspection, and the NTSB concluded that the improper maintenance and inspection failure directly contributed to the crash.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Home warranties don't typically cover damage from natural disasters, cosmetic damage, preexisting conditions and damage due to improper maintenance.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Wilting that doesn’t quickly rebound after watering is usually a sign of improper moisture management.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Records show the aircraft had flown only 2½ hours since its last inspection, and the NTSB concluded that the improper maintenance and inspection failure directly contributed to the crash.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Home warranties don't typically cover damage from natural disasters, cosmetic damage, preexisting conditions and damage due to improper maintenance.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Wilting that doesn’t quickly rebound after watering is usually a sign of improper moisture management.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
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The class counsel has argued that objectors are raising either points that were already decided, inappropriate for this forum, or unreasonable to address.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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But some former students recently accused Gabbard, whose name is on the high school gym floor, of inappropriate conduct.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Soils that are high in peat moss are unsuitable for citrus trees.—
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Jan. 2026
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These tests, though frequently used in Denmark as part of child protection investigations, were criticized as inappropriate and unsuitable for the people of Greenland and other minorities.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Using incorrect or false case references in legal documents has real implications for defendants, because judges rely on these references to help form their rulings, Kjoller’s lawyers wrote.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Appeals can be made based on factors including incorrect data, adverse testing conditions, and school or community emergencies, according to the State Board of Education.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As analysis, that’s not wrong, but where’s the sting of it inside this bizarre bonbon of a musical?—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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Despite his brilliance and intellect, he was prevented from having a full life by being born on the wrong side of Israel’s separation fence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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To receive one of these designations from a doctor in this era was to be marked as unfit for society and a candidate for potential institution and sterilization.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
6 Dec. 2025
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Families of victims, human rights defenders and international bodies such as the UN have criticized the commissions for a lack of transparency, for being ineffective and ultimately unfit for delivering accountability.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This is a no-win situation because one of us will end up unhappy.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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