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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective proper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proper are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When would appropriate be a good substitute for proper?

Although the words appropriate and proper have much in common, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can apt be used instead of proper?

The meanings of apt and proper largely overlap; however, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is it sensible to use felicitous instead of proper?

While in some cases nearly identical to proper, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than proper?

In some situations, the words fit and proper are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than proper?

The words fitting and proper can be used in similar contexts, but fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

In what contexts can happy take the place of proper?

The words happy and proper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When could meet be used to replace proper?

The synonyms meet and proper are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

Where would suitable be a reasonable alternative to proper?

While the synonyms suitable and proper are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of proper In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority said states are generally free to decide on proper standards of medical care. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 Though Trump promised to remove criminals who are in the U.S. without proper documentation, the ICE raids have so far targeted a much wider swath of folks. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 18 June 2025 Additionally, proper documentation and training on automation tools are needed. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Always provide fresh water, access to shade, and ensure proper ventilation during transport to and from the beach. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
  • Padilla ordinarily is a very polite guy, extraordinary civil — calm, soft-spoken, the opposite of an aggressive loudmouth.
    George Skelton, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
  • Gentle readers often ask Miss Manners how to respond to questions put to them for which there does not appear to be any polite answer.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sign into your Spectrum account to find the correct mailing address for your area.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • For example, according to The Australian, firms with formal mentorship programs see 23% higher retention among women.
    Raquel Gomes, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The law also limited the deployment of armed forces to 60 days, with a 30-day withdrawal period, in the absence of a formal declaration of war.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • While 100 grams of protein might seem excessive, this amount is appropriate for many people.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 June 2025
  • Localization testing helps ensure appropriate usage of region-specific currencies and symbols; attain correct display of textual content within buttons, menus or other UI elements; review adherence to local gambling regulations, such as betting limits, taxation, operational hours and more.
    Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • At highway cruising speed, the SUV is satisfactory.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • But even if Trump’s characterization turns out to be accurate, the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities may not mean the end of the Iranian nuclear threat.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
  • Despite the vast expansion in the number of sensors, the insurance institute’s testing found, the male THOR dummy was less accurate than the current Hybrid dummies, which also had limitations.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Every single crewmember, everyone who worked on the show, along with the actors, every person on this show was so hard-working and dedicated and so genuinely nice.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This new moon is particularly suitable for projects or processes that have to do with your well-being, your home, your family, or your emotional balance.
    Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proper

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