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 characteristic
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
The climbers have to crowd into the tents that are there, which means that no one gets a proper rest, and that results, down the line, in more tragedy.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026
This guidance is largely similar to prevention advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which emphasizes proper eating, staying active, quitting smoking and managing weight, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Use fireplaces, wood stoves and other combustion heaters only with proper ventilation.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
From the outside, the Chanler looks less like a proper hotel, and more like a 19th-century scion’s private estate.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026
This guidance is largely similar to prevention advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which emphasizes proper eating, staying active, quitting smoking and managing weight, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Use fireplaces, wood stoves and other combustion heaters only with proper ventilation.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
From the outside, the Chanler looks less like a proper hotel, and more like a 19th-century scion’s private estate.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Among her trio of old friends on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Kate is the polite peacekeeper.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t read that as snark—that’s a pretty big deal, and Marche’s observation in The Atlantic is absolutely correct.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Not to protect steelworkers or correct trade imbalances—and no one is insinuating that fentanyl is flowing in from Nuuk.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Bute adds that due to staffing shortage across the county, many teachers are also having to teach outside their area of formal training.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Organizers stressed the event was not a formal public meeting but allowed residents to ask questions at an open microphone, warning the session would continue only if the crowd remained orderly.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At the same time, adolescents and young adults need appropriate confidentiality to engage in treatment, particularly as parents shift from decision-makers to supporters.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Be thoughtful about sensitive items Consider redacting highly sensitive data (like customer-specific pricing) when appropriate, and carefully manage access to the most confidential folders.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Lack of Fenestration Young plants or those not receiving enough light may not develop the characteristic leaf holes or splits.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
18 Jan. 2026
-
But nothing in Ellis’ reporting or what’s known about the county investigation validates Uber’s implicit argument that its behavior is generally characteristic of the plaintiffs’ bar.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
And yet no analytical framework ever yields a fully satisfactory result.—
Amir Ahmadi Arian,
The Dial,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Industry partners say physically accurate simulation helps overcome the lack of diverse robotics data.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Not only will McDaniel have an accurate, strong-throwing quarterback, but there are a few weapons to be optimistic about moving forward, including running backs Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal and receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Still, the balcony was a wonderful thing to have, a breath of fresh air when the weather was nice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Abby, that restaurant has very nice bathrooms.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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