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
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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
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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
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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
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5
as in distinguishing
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
Note: Health care professionals recommend consulting with a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning device to ensure safe and proper usage.
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Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that; proper fitness and nutrition comprise vital parts of our well-being.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 Jan. 2025
Teams must be given the proper tools for this to be sustainable.
—Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Sensors like cameras and radars are calibrated to millimeter accuracy to ensure proper performance, and any deviations from specifications can lead to malfunction or reduced effectiveness.
—Brunno Moretti, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for proper 
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that; proper fitness and nutrition comprise vital parts of our well-being.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 Jan. 2025
Teams must be given the proper tools for this to be sustainable.
—Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Sensors like cameras and radars are calibrated to millimeter accuracy to ensure proper performance, and any deviations from specifications can lead to malfunction or reduced effectiveness.
—Brunno Moretti, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
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According to a Newsweek article, simple gestures like being polite to airline staff can significantly improve a travel experience.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
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Ahead of Trump’s swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, he and Melania Trump are expected to be greeted at the White House by Joe and Jill Biden, who will then bring them inside for some tea or coffee and perhaps some polite conversation.Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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If your submission is correct, the terms will flash in the category color and will be removed from the board.Billie Schwab Dunn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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But staying invested, in equity markets was correct.Erik Sherman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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While leaders and managers often serve as mentors due to their influence and experience, mentorship extends beyond formal roles.Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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His wife sometimes held a camera, and his friend Rick sometimes lent a hand with builds, but Furze did not hire any formal staff and worked primarily in a back-yard workshop and an old barn.Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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For one, just because investors expect to retire around the same age doesn’t mean the same asset allocation is appropriate for each of them.Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
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That notice provides guidance on transfers that target transactions intended to repatriate earnings from foreign corporations without the appropriate recognition of income.Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This side hustle is beneficial in so many ways, not only in benefiting the organization if your pick is selected, but in reducing unemployment, which is such a satisfactory feeling.Rachel Wells, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
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The facility received satisfactory marks during its annual audit, according to the sheriff’s office.Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The election certification process is when the results are formally signed as accurate and true.Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
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That remains to be seen, but this year could mark a change in buying habits if the forecasts are accurate.Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Nintendo Switch Lite was a great way to play Switch games on a smaller device, and the Nintendo Switch OLED added a beautiful display and a handful of other nice upgrades.Jay Peters, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025
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The engagement is certainly a nice break from the recent drama in Pats land - after New England’s season finale, the team fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, a move that has been heavily criticized by ex-Patriots.Ryan Morik, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person.JJ Kinahan, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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