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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of proper
Walker's 2013 accident occurred while the star was still filming Fast and Furious 7, but the filmmakers still took special care to give his character a proper sendoff.
—
Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 June 2025
Well, even with proper context, the meaning behind Blanchett’s appearance is a matter of minor debate.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2025
Putting legit, proper working suspension on this scooter would raise the price considerably.
—New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Hollywood studios and craftspeople may be busy agonizing over the proper role of AI’s potential within the film industry, but Chinese studios aren’t slowing down.
—Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 June 2025
Well, even with proper context, the meaning behind Blanchett’s appearance is a matter of minor debate.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 June 2025
Putting legit, proper working suspension on this scooter would raise the price considerably.
—New Atlas, 28 June 2025
Hollywood studios and craftspeople may be busy agonizing over the proper role of AI’s potential within the film industry, but Chinese studios aren’t slowing down.
—Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Anne Hathaway’s Lureen, all rodeo sparkle and small-town ambition, is Jack’s half-hearted refuge; her final scene is a master class in polite denial, her eyes steel behind a frosty Texas drawl.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
-
Fittingly, a green laser shined out into the crowd as attendees turned from polite listeners to a rowdy mosh pit, singing every word.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Why Do People Use Skin Bleaching? Skin bleaching can be used to even out skin tone and correct areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
6 July 2025
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Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mamdani has secured endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but lacks formal support from Hochul and two other prominent New York lawmakers, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
That would likely leave a 10% base tariff, as well as the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs in place until details of a formal trade agreement are ironed out.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
These ribbons can be steamed, boiled, or even served raw with an appropriate sauce.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 July 2025
-
When asked by the judge near the start of Wednesday’s hours-long hearing, attorneys for the parties could not reach an agreement on an appropriate value for the sanctions.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
To begin with, bombardment is unlikely to lead to a satisfactory outcome.—
Robert Kagan,
The Atlantic,
21 June 2025
-
At highway cruising speed, the SUV is satisfactory.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
Even when observers were given the personal backstory behind a tattoo, their judgments didn’t become significantly more accurate.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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And it’s been nice to have it as kind of an every-now-and-again encore to surprise the audience and give a little bit of love to the cities that have shown me a lot of love over the years.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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Each piece has a sturdy coated iron frame that’s rust-resistant and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure, while the chairs are covered in a quick-drying breathable fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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