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
To have a golf course — the quality, a major championship-caliber one in Quail Hollow — just south of Charlotte’s center city proper, not a lot of cities can come up with that kind of opportunity.
—
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
However, proper foot hygiene and preventative habits can go a long way in keeping toenail fungus from coming back.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 14 May 2025
In other cases, cut back on watering your indoor plants and install proper drainage in moisture-prone areas like the basement or crawlspace.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
The helmsman, feeling swells beneath the vessel, gleans the proper heading, even in the dark.
—The Conversation, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
However, proper foot hygiene and preventative habits can go a long way in keeping toenail fungus from coming back.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 14 May 2025
In other cases, cut back on watering your indoor plants and install proper drainage in moisture-prone areas like the basement or crawlspace.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
The helmsman, feeling swells beneath the vessel, gleans the proper heading, even in the dark.
—The Conversation, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell.—
Chris Vognar,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
-
What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers?—
Judith Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
My life was just 93 more respondents away from being cosmically deemed correct!—
Jessie Rosen,
People.com,
3 May 2025
-
Jon Stewart starting Monday’s Daily Show in a long, Rip Van Winkle–ass beard was the correct way to illustrate how much these first hundred days of Trump 2.0 have aged us all.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Brooks had heard of the band and after a formal event one evening came into the bar with his wife.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
8 May 2025
-
The Stray Kids’ member is not the first formal male ambassador for Damiani, which has a long track record of linking with male celebrities, most notably tapping Brad Pitt for its campaigns.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Those with weakened immune systems cannot adequately mount an appropriate immune response when exposed to different diseases.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
Finally, be sure your timers are set to the appropriate schedule.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 500: 0-50 (Green): Good—air quality is satisfactory.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
In finding the right fit and tailoring these systems, a clear understanding of your business priorities and pain points can go a long way in choosing a satisfactory solution.—
Shiv Kaushik,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
And they – their testimony was proven not to be accurate, that the president was not tying aid to Ukraine to the investigation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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These options provide faster data transfer rates and are more suitable for today's high-volume data needs.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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The fan also has a larger size that is suitable for bathrooms up to 150 square feet.—
Molly Blanco,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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