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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of proper
Both typically resolve within a few days with proper aftercare.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 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.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Cooked rice in the rice cooker was outside of proper holding temperatures.
—Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
If conversion therapy is as harmful as Colorado alleges, these gaps show the lack of proper tailoring, says Chiles.
—Timothy R. Holbrook, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 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.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Cooked rice in the rice cooker was outside of proper holding temperatures.
—Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
If conversion therapy is as harmful as Colorado alleges, these gaps show the lack of proper tailoring, says Chiles.
—Timothy R. Holbrook, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Always speaking calmly with a polite smile and a distinct Italian accent, Bassetti could easily be described as an iron fist in a velvet glove.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The rather polite 47-year-old Englishman remained transfixed on the massive video board down the hill.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The game gives players six attempts to guess a five-letter word, receiving feedback through colored tiles that indicate correct letters and their placement.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Another virtual orange door would appear upon entering the correct phrase into Google.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As evidenced, efforts can culminate in formal events for strategizing and bolstering membership.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Wyatt’s pointed use of stark silence to enhance some of the tense moments before battles break out is an effective formal choice that, without the use of slow motion, produces the feeling of time moving differently, making the viewer hyper-aware of what may come.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The agency later stated the animal was in good health, stress-free and receiving appropriate care from her handlers.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
-
And, restoring and maintaining the health of Florida’s 1,100 springs will require further study to tailor appropriate interventions to each one.—
Christopher F. Meindl,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
How many grafts does each zone need to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the eye?—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
If someone asks if arrangements are satisfactory?—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The display is bright, resulting in accurate and vibrant colors.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As comedians from Bill Burr to Kevin Hart were slammed for performing at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, Dave Chappelle said the Middle Eastern nation is actually more suitable for stand-up than the United States.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Garlic from the grocery store is not suitable for growing.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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