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the manufacturer's warranty is no longer valid if the appliance is used improperly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
In the fall, Cummings ordered agents to release hundreds of individuals from ICE custody who were improperly detained.
—
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
The appeals court ordered a new trial after ruling jurors improperly heard contested portions of a police interrogation and testimony questioning Negroponte’s credibility.
—Michael Dorgan , Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Lamai's case isn't the first in which hospitals have been accused of improperly accommodating racist patients.
—William Morris, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Many noted the recent criminal charges brought against Josue Ayala, an officer who prosecutors say improperly used the system to track a former partner and another person.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
About 20 pounds of cooked chicken was improperly cooled and measured above proper temperatures.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The main specific risk is the potential for nodules or granulomas (small bumps) forming under the skin, especially if improperly placed or massaged.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security committee, accused Noem and her agents of acting improperly and even illegally in that case and in two others.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Those criminal cases, however, were dropped after a federal judge found the prosecutor who secured the indictments was improperly appointed.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
The appeals court ordered a new trial after ruling jurors improperly heard contested portions of a police interrogation and testimony questioning Negroponte’s credibility.
—Michael Dorgan , Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Lamai's case isn't the first in which hospitals have been accused of improperly accommodating racist patients.
—William Morris, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Many noted the recent criminal charges brought against Josue Ayala, an officer who prosecutors say improperly used the system to track a former partner and another person.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
About 20 pounds of cooked chicken was improperly cooled and measured above proper temperatures.
—Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The main specific risk is the potential for nodules or granulomas (small bumps) forming under the skin, especially if improperly placed or massaged.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Nadler, the ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security committee, accused Noem and her agents of acting improperly and even illegally in that case and in two others.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Those criminal cases, however, were dropped after a federal judge found the prosecutor who secured the indictments was improperly appointed.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improperly
Adverb
-
In Texas, drivers who incorrectly enter, exit or misuse an HOV lane could be fined no more than $100.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Due to an editing error, a previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date of the incident.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
In Kuwait, meanwhile, three US jets were mistakenly shot down by the Gulf country’s air defenses, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, adding the cause of the incident is under investigation.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American warplanes over its skies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The sheriff’s news release erroneously states Davis has a murder conviction.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Within 24 hours of the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran, ships in the region’s waters found their navigation systems had gone haywire, erroneously indicating that the vessels were at airports, a nuclear power plant and on Iranian land.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
He was being inappropriately prosecuted for his son Colt’s actions, not his own, Berry argued.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Investigators say the now-15-year-old put in the Notes app on her phone that she was touched inappropriately multiple times by Hank her babysitter.—
Mamie Bah,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Improperly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improperly. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
