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proper

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of proper

1 following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
  • The formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only.
Synonyms of proper

befitting, correct, decent, decorous, de rigueur, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly
Words Related to proper

acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable

dress, dressy, formal

dignified, elegant, gracious

priggish, prim, stiff, stuffy

apt, material, relevant

allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted
Near Antonyms of proper

intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

casual, grungy, informal

seedy, shabby, tacky

banned, barred, disallowed

forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed
Antonyms of proper

improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly
2 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 of proper

accurate, correct, dead-on, exact, good, on-target, precise, right, so, spot-on, true, veracious
Words Related to proper

legitimate, logical, sound, valid

errorless, faultless, flawless, impeccable, inerrant, infallible, letter-perfect, perfect

rigorous, strict, stringent
Phrases Synonymous with proper

on target, on the money
Near Antonyms of proper

defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect
Antonyms of proper

false, improper, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, off, untrue, wrong
3 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 of proper

ceremonious, correct, decorous, formal, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stilted
Words Related to proper

sober, solemn, stately

chivalrous, courtly, gallant

genteel, polished, refined

civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet
Near Antonyms of proper

improper, indecorous, unmannerly

discourteous, impolite, rude
Antonyms of proper

casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious
4 meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation
  • You'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight.
Synonyms of proper

applicable, appropriate, apt, becoming, befitting, felicitous, fit, fitted, fitting, good, happy, meet, pretty, right, suitable
Words Related to proper

condign, deserved, just, justified

needed, required, requisite

able, capable, competent, cut out, qualified, trained

pitch-perfect

acceptable, adequate, decent, kosher, satisfactory, serviceable, tolerable

correct, decorous, respectable, seemly

balanced, companionate, congruous, consonant, harmonious

rightful
Phrases Synonymous with proper

in order
Near Antonyms of proper

incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful, untrained

inadequate, intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

graceless, incorrect, indecorous

incompatible, uncongenial
Antonyms of proper

improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, indecent, infelicitous, malapropos, misbecoming, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unfitting, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong
5 serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
  • malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
Synonyms of proper

characteristic, classic, discriminating, distinct, distinctive, distinguishing, identifying, individual, peculiar, symptomatic, typical
Words Related to proper

idiosyncratic

identifiable, pronounced, unmistakable

general, generic

common, normal, regular, usual

especial, particular, special, specific

archetypal (also archetypical), model, paradigmatic
Antonyms of proper

atypical, nontypical, uncharacteristic, untypical

Synonym Discussion of proper

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.
    • fit for battle
suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.
    • clothes suitable for camping
meet suggests a just proportioning.
    • meet payment
proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.
    • proper acknowledgement
appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.
    • an appropriate gift
fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.
    • a fitting end
apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.
    • apt quotations
happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.
    • a happy choice of words
felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.
    • a felicitous phrase

Learn More about proper

  1. See words that rhyme with proper Dictionary: Definition of proper Spanish Central: Translation of proper Nglish: Translation of proper for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of proper for Arabic speakers

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