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
Sanitizer bucket not in proper concentration, not in use.
—
Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
During proper diaphragmatic breathing, on exhalation, as the diaphragm rises and the pelvic floor contracts, the adductors can be trained to co-contract to help maintain pelvic stability.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 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.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 26 Sep. 2025
Stokes further wrote on his belief that even more cases of hybridization are actively occurring; however, variables are keeping the proper research and potential data from coming to light.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
During proper diaphragmatic breathing, on exhalation, as the diaphragm rises and the pelvic floor contracts, the adductors can be trained to co-contract to help maintain pelvic stability.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 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.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 26 Sep. 2025
Stokes further wrote on his belief that even more cases of hybridization are actively occurring; however, variables are keeping the proper research and potential data from coming to light.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
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
-
Even polite England is experiencing massive strikes and angry marches.—
Renaud Foucart,
Time,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Though Collier crashed to the court after the collision, the National Basketball Referees Association posted a highlight of the play on social media explaining why officials were correct not to blow the whistle.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
-
How much glue should there be between the whole thing to get the balance correct?—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This is his first full album since the end of the YSL trial and his formal release from prison, following his guilty plea on October 31, 2024.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Still, if the DNI made a formal recommendation, the State Department is the issuing authority for foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designations.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For indoor storage, guns should be kept unloaded and locked in appropriate safes or lockboxes for handguns, with ammunition in a separate safe, the AAP recommends.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Harsh chemicals like bleach will damage or harden rubber, so choose the appropriate cleaner based on the material your seal is made from.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The answer was not satisfactory to management, sources say.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told USA TODAY that since its initial request for the information in July, the department hasn't given her satisfactory answers about how the information would be used.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Master 4’s sensor remains unchanged, still providing smooth and accurate tracking on virtually any surface, with a maximum DPI of 8,000.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
-
On a team that has allowed the league’s most sacks, McCarthy must learn from QBs like Aaron Rodgers, still the league’s fastest passer and one of its most accurate.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With a turtleneck and jeans For an ensemble that’s nice (and warm) enough to wear in practically any situation, just add an eye-catching topper to your usual cold-weather combo.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
26 Sep. 2025
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Which would make a nice change of pace from the collective teeth-gnashing in FoCo lately.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Typical seats were replaced with moveable chairs and desks that were suitable but also atypical to Major League setups.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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