properly

adverb

ˈprä-pər-lē How to pronounce properly (audio)
Definition of properlynext
as in correctly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 properly In others, the balance is incorrect because their repayment application wasn't properly processed. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Schmitt proposed that the world would be properly organized by spatial blocs, or Grossräume, dominated by regional hegemons. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 Using tea bags that are past their prime and haven’t been stored properly can be a risk. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 The production design team did countless tests to ensure different sets worked properly. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for properly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for properly
  1. correctly
  2. appropriately
Adverb
  • Training begins with a small smoke test to make sure the robot, environment, cameras, and control system work together correctly.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In simpler terms, a part of your paycheck subsidizes a boomer’s benefits—and according to the Cato Institute’s 2025 polling, only 45% of Americans correctly understand how the program works.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • Are academic expectations developmentally appropriate but appropriately challenging?
    — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • No evidence could be found for the items having been removed from Egypt appropriately.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

proper
properly
properness
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Cite this Entry

“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/properly. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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