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 The candidates for Los Angeles mayor gave opposing takes on the war in Gaza on Tuesday night, with Councilmember Nithya Raman saying Israel has committed genocide and Mayor Karen Bass asserting the term is inappropriate. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 The restaurant industry across the country is challenging and rife with workplace abuse and inappropriate behavior that includes issues like heavy drinking, inappropriate relationships, fights between employees and wage theft. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026 For households, the AdGuard Family Plan also includes parental controls for restricting access to inappropriate and adult content. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 If an adversary can influence the context through which the system interprets that identity, the security issue becomes more serious than generating an inappropriate answer. — Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inappropriate

Adjective

And the religious character of this language is by no means unsuitable to this project of science that was bathed in biblical metaphors from the get-go—Code name Trinity, to cite just one example.

— Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
Like other foods, bird seed is perishable and will spoil if it’s kept in unsuitable conditions.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

Electrical issues — like faulty wiring, overloaded power strips, and improper extension cord usage — are the leading cause of fatal fires so far this year.

— Lillian Bonsignore, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
The action comes as Livingston locals raised concerns about the film’s impact on local business — and notably the city’s sole food bank — as well as improper notification about hazardous stunts.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

Its success made Cohn a rich, if unhappy, man, at least for a long while.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
What appeared to be a fairly normal election for a president halfway through his term — a probable setback, as unhappy voters register their discontent — has the potential, Cook said, to turn into a disaster for Republicans.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

Besides rest, a driver should completely give over the keys if they are inebriated or otherwise unfit to drive.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
They were accused of organizing the crossing of a small boat that was unfit for navigation on the open sea, was overloaded and lacked appropriate life jackets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of unfit

Adjective

Frequently, the drug and location are irrelevant to the price — raising questions about the roles of insurers and higher prices associated with popular plans.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
But in sectors where the buyer is sophisticated—and purchases are often time-sensitive—particularly in infrastructure, industrial services, specialist logistics and even professional services, awareness from the wider public is close to irrelevant.

— Sophie Attwood, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of irrelevant

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“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inappropriate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inappropriate

adjective

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