1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard
there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in appropriate
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation
you'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in distinguishing
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
In the Tigers clubhouse, players sat at their lockers, trying to find the right words and the proper tone.
—
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Along with potentially being his 16th Number One album, Britpop is also Williams’ first proper pop album since 2016’s The Heavy Entertainment Show.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Oct. 2025
Picked up in May, the new season is being written now, which means that the series will get a proper ending.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Along with potentially being his 16th Number One album, Britpop is also Williams’ first proper pop album since 2016’s The Heavy Entertainment Show.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Oct. 2025
Picked up in May, the new season is being written now, which means that the series will get a proper ending.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Here are six seemingly polite habits that party hosts actually dislike.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The younger woman smiling coyly, as if with a secret, while the older of the two, still young herself, anxious and polite, looks at the strange columns in the kitchen, trying not to be rude about it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
However, a few unexplained puzzles remained, leading scientists to question whether the most extreme predictions of the Big Bang, including arbitrarily high temperatures and an origin from a singularity, were actually correct.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Jones is correct, Dak Prescott is on pace for an MVP-caliber season with 1,617 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions thus far.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Kabul wants to boost cooperation with an India that is also at odds with Pakistan, and as the Taliban continues to seek formal international recognition as the government of Afghanistan.—
Happymon Jacob,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The company contested the findings and eventually reached a formal settlement, OSHA records show.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Multiple artists, including Marina Abramović, are credited as fine-arts collaborators for Masquerade, all of whom allowed the production to feature their thematically appropriate work.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Additional event information will be shared when appropriate.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This pair, in particular, earned high praise from senior shopping writer Alyssa Grabinski for its satisfactory support and cushioning, which aided her when embarking on daily walks.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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These results were satisfactory for integrated graphics—better than some of its counterparts on some tests, and worse on others—and not quite as powerful as Apple’s M4.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PC Magazine,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Backdrop cofounder and creative director Natalie Ebel said that description sounds pretty accurate.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
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The original film, which is spoken in Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin to create a more historically accurate and immersive experience, followed the final 12 hours before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The sound system isn’t as nice, and the side-view mirrors now have to be manually folded.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
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The gardener was removing excess leaves to give the tree a cleaner look, an attention to detail required at a nice hotel — The Grove — that’s been housing NFL teams since Aaron Glenn, now the New York Jets head coach, was still playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2008.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Field Study Woven Tartan Runner Rug Not all patterns are suitable for every home, but this inviting runner rug can truly work with every style.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The stretchy material allows for easy movement, which is suitable for workouts and lounging.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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