INAPPROPRIATE Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

inappropriate

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət

Definition of inappropriate

as in unsuitable

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation a bathing suit is inappropriate dress for strolling the streets of this seaside village

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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 inappropriate Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 But this year, according to a dress code reviewed by The Athletic, women have been told that strapless, off-the-shoulder and spaghetti-strap attire is not permitted, with illustrations of appropriate and inappropriate wear for both men and women. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Multiple outlets reported that Abergel was fired after unilaterally deciding to use America250’s social media to honor Kirk in a way commission leaders viewed as inappropriate. — Philip Wang, Time, 29 June 2026 The announcement comes as the archdiocese continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August during an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inappropriate

Adjective

Drivers should avoid off-road detours or unpaved shortcuts suggested by map apps, as those routes can be dangerous and unsuitable for passenger and commercial vehicles, state officials said.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 July 2026
The dogs were found to be living in unsuitable conditions, while the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and a number of the dogs had additional medical conditions as well.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Also requested were documents related to a lawsuit, recently settled for $135,000, claiming Kramer had given an improper assessment of a property and retaliated against an employee who complained.

— Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Thus, the LLCs asserting objections to the alter ego findings as to the trusts were improper.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

In 2024, Air Canada's AI agent gave a passenger incorrect information about bereavement fares.

— Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

The decade was an unhappy panorama of inflation, gas shortages, military humiliation, and revelations of political corruption.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
On Tuesday, Paul urged Americans who are unhappy with the justices’ ruling to support his proposal.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026