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
-
Layne suggested Edward ride again the following week, and over time, as the Lamb family regularly made its way to the Batty farm, Edward started to point out the correct directions.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
-
This story was updated with a correct statement from the FBI.—
Sophie Clark,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Ramsay is a filmmaker of undeniable formal wizardry and a fearless explorer of psychological rupture.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
20 May 2025
-
Robinhood submitted a formal 42-page proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting the creation of a federal regulatory framework for the issuance and trading of tokenized RWAs.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
But now, with what is happening, the title is even more appropriate.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
18 May 2025
-
During arguments before the Supreme Court, several of the justices expressed concerns about the use of nationwide injunctions, but John Sauer, President Donald Trump’s solicitor general, faced pushback this week about whether limiting injunctions was appropriate in this case.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
18 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.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
That will give you an accurate sense of whether psychological safety is improving—or if the conversation is going in circles. 2.—
Cynthia Pong,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days, and nice to have.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
16 May 2025
-
However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
-
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.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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