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
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.
—
Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Charter was accused in the lawsuit of sending Lyons to the scene without proper warning, training or safety equipment, in an unusual case that raised questions about the responsibility of news organizations to protect journalists covering violent crime.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Investigators found that other children in the home had proper furniture and toys and personal items in their clean bedrooms while the 12-year-old had an air mattress and little else in hers, the affidavit said.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The director’s cut was also released in its proper widescreen aspect ratio on Laserdisc.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Charter was accused in the lawsuit of sending Lyons to the scene without proper warning, training or safety equipment, in an unusual case that raised questions about the responsibility of news organizations to protect journalists covering violent crime.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Investigators found that other children in the home had proper furniture and toys and personal items in their clean bedrooms while the 12-year-old had an air mattress and little else in hers, the affidavit said.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The director’s cut was also released in its proper widescreen aspect ratio on Laserdisc.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Their kids often come across as highly regulated, well-groomed, and polite to their parents and other adults.—
Kelley King Heyworth,
Parents,
5 Apr. 2026
-
That and making sure that next time, you are seated far away from her — and near one of the unfailingly polite and pleasant women instead.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At every major-league park, the league employs a Ball-Out-Strike System (BOSS) operator who is responsible for ensuring the correct strike zone is used for each hitter – as opposed to say, the 5-foot-11 Trent Grisham getting stuck with the zone of the 6-7 Aaron Judge.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
This article has been updated to reflect the correct speed limit for e-bikes in New York City and that Olto deliveries began this year.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Together, experts paint a picture of a sector where formal investment risks intersecting with criminal governance, armed violence and illicit supply chains.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Once the formal and complete application is submitted, city officials will then go through the standard review process and decide whether to move forward with a formal hearing.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Given that three of the Red Sox’ previous five balls in play had an exit velocity of 107 mph or greater and a left-handed batter was coming to the plate, it could also be argued pretty convincingly that inserting lefty Wandy Peralta was appropriate.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Your local garden center should have an appropriate mix available.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some had characteristic ticks etched along their outer edges, while others looked like small sticks cut lengthwise, with a flat and a curved side—forms that their makers crafted deliberately to produce random outcomes.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The show is curated by the artist’s daughters, Aiko Cuneo and Addie Lanier, and will feature many characteristic pieces.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Privately, some writers walking the staff picket line still had faith in WGAW management to negotiate a satisfactory deal with the AMPTP amid the drama.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Safety, satisfactory customer service, and ensuring riders feel secure are best achieved by maintaining — and even increasing — staffing in transit systems.—
John Samuelsen,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But if online flattery is an accurate indicator, more Goodness Land would be a gift to Mediterranean food aficionados in the neighborhood.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But in 1752, the government replaced the old Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, with a more accurate solar calendar.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some other teachers that maybe hadn’t been so polite to me or nice to me, all of a sudden became a little nicer.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Thursday night is going to be a nice little appetizer, so to speak.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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