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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inappropriate Modest Mouse has cut ties with guitarist Simon O’Connor following accusations of sending inappropriate DMs to a minor. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2026 Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them. — Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 Modest Mouse announced Friday that guitarist Simon O’Connor would not join the band for the upcoming tour after he was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor on social media. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2026 Following his public apology over sending inappropriate messages to an underage fan, guitarist Simon O’Connor has been dropped from Modest Mouse’s upcoming tour dates. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inappropriate

Adjective

Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Donating unsuitable items wastes time and resources, so focus on clean, usable pieces.

— Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 28 July 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Critics of Medicaid expansion argued that increasing the number of people who could get health insurance through the program would increase fraud and improper enrollment.

— Ben Zdencanovic, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
The conservative Paragon Health Institute’s president, Brian Blase, wrote in a recent webpost that the HHS report’s conclusion on the scope of improper enrollment is likely an undercount.

— Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

Artificial intelligence can worsen this by confidently directing attention, causing users to stop searching prematurely if AI's initial answer is plausible but incorrect.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Incorrect Brew Temperature or Pressure While rather technical, Mynatt notes that using incorrect brew temperatures or pressures can have a significant impact on your espresso and latte.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

Seneca, the Roman philosopher, argued that people kept getting the message of Homer’s epic poems wrong.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
One person was killed and two others were critically injured when a wrong-way driver crashed into several other vehicles on Friday evening on the Dan Ryan Expressway on the South Side of Chicago.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

West Germany 2-1 Netherlands A tournament that was dominated by security concerns in the early stages, and then slightly ruined later on by a sustained period of rainy weather which left the pitches unfit for quality football.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Within the context of the ongoing debate, the comment suggested the financial tie could make the company unfit to own the parking meter system.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of unfit

Adjective

The migrants were never going to be able to reach the mainland EU, but that fact was irrelevant to hard-right, anti-migrant politicians around the world who portrayed the incident in apocalyptic terms.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
There’s a big difference between irrelevant and less relevant.

— Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026