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 dispute generated an exchange over the proper scope of Presidential power, conducted in the pages of a Philadelphia newspaper, between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
—
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Hill says veggies that germinate and grow quickly and don’t like root disturbance are best sown outdoors at the proper time, to avoid stress from transplanting.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
Beginners may benefit from starting with bodyweight movements to learn proper form and build confidence before adding weights.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Mar. 2026
To save luggage space and time at security, do yourself a favor and grab a proper electronics organizer before your next flight.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Hill says veggies that germinate and grow quickly and don’t like root disturbance are best sown outdoors at the proper time, to avoid stress from transplanting.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
Beginners may benefit from starting with bodyweight movements to learn proper form and build confidence before adding weights.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Mar. 2026
To save luggage space and time at security, do yourself a favor and grab a proper electronics organizer before your next flight.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
With their masculine style, derbies bring a polite firmness to any ensemble.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2026
-
As part of the move, Roblox will roll out real-time AI-powered chat rephrasing that automatically replaces swear words with more polite alternatives.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The company — which has 70 million users worldwide — also touts tools to detect and change song keys or to detect and generate the correct guitar chords for songs.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Jackson wrote that the appeals court was correct to defer to the immigration judge’s judgment when reviewing Urias-Orellana’s appeal claims, as is outlined by the Immigration and Nationality Act.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Here was a piece that not only spanned the entire spectrum of casual to formal, but ate it up in the volume of its layered pleats.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Hare adds that this strategy will help eliminate the distant feeling that can exist in larger spaces or within more formal layouts.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Denim is appropriate for any London closet, and my go-to pick is this pair of Alexa Chung jeans.—
Alexandra Pereira,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
One-third of teens already prefer AI companions over humans for serious conversations, according to a 2025 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps families navigate age-appropriate media choices.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Be aware that sodium nitrite is added to the brine to prevent bacterial growth and to give the meat its characteristic pink color.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
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The researchers also noted low water content in the samples, which are characteristic of tektites more generally.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When the answer wasn’t satisfactory, Miller reported the company to the Better Business Bureau.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
But could not get a satisfactory picture from all this information.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Others recommend using the opportunity to educate children on the importance of news, understanding where to find accurate facts and how to identify when something is not true or deceiving.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Coaches and other Cowboys front office members have deemed Aubrey a weapon with his ability to test the lengths of field goal distance and be accurate.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Those who are running are nice enough.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Grape and sausage sounds so nice.—
Emily Elias,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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