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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inappropriate
In short, you probably won’t be jailed for wearing a hoodie, but appearing on camera in something inappropriate or revealing can carry real legal consequences.
—
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025
However, Dowdle received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for an inappropriate gesture following the score, which pushed the extra point attempt back to a 48-yard effort.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
The Bachelor will always find a wife in six weeks, Kim and Khloe will always make up, and Chrishell and crew will always wear inappropriate outfits in a professional atmosphere.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Nasser says there was no indication that this personality would be inappropriate.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inappropriate
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025
However, Dowdle received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for an inappropriate gesture following the score, which pushed the extra point attempt back to a 48-yard effort.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
The Bachelor will always find a wife in six weeks, Kim and Khloe will always make up, and Chrishell and crew will always wear inappropriate outfits in a professional atmosphere.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Nasser says there was no indication that this personality would be inappropriate.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inappropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inappropriate
Adjective
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That wing is usually reserved for prisoners who are considered unsuitable to be kept among the prison’s general population, usually out of fears for their safety.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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But the movie only gives tiny little tastes of 1982 rock culture, and why Nebraska was so comically unsuitable for airplay.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This distinction also means there is no improper delegation of Congress’ taxing power.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Health inspectors cited the Mexican grocery store after carnitas and chicken measured at improper holding temperatures, a repeat violation.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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
-
Pauline Collins, the exuberant British actress who inspired women — and men, too — to do something to change their unhappy lives with her Oscar-nominated and Olivier- and Tony-winning performances in Shirley Valentine, has died.—
Lisa de los Reyes,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
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That distaste didn’t hurt Spanberger and her ticket, because 18% of those unhappy voters backed her anyway.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Miyares referenced a Richmond Times-Dispatch report of a Virginia trooper clocking Jones at 116 miles per hour, framing him as unfit to enforce the law.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The Bush and Quayle team won the 1988 election, but the impression of Quayle as unfit for the job remained a drag on Bush’s reputation.—
Time,
Time,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But several costly mistakes on offense rendered all of Miami’s one-sided statistics irrelevant as Brooks pointed out.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
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And when data doesn’t reflect how people make real decisions, the technology quickly becomes irrelevant.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inappropriate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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