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
Relevance
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
Jaxon had been removed from his father’s care last summer when his mother was dying of liver and kidney failure, and a judge determined that his father, who had serious health issues, was unable to properly care for him.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
The 937-pound (425-kilogram) spacecraft will launch into an initial testing orbit on June 27 and perform a series of checkouts to ensure that its basic systems (three main engines, 16 reaction control thrusters, solar arrays, robotic arms) are all working properly.
—
Tariq Malik,
Space.com,
19 June 2026
All five candidates focused on ensuring the person selected is properly qualified and prepared for the position and that there wouldn’t be friction between roles like the city manager and City Council.
—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
19 June 2026
Most people – adults included, with or without children – aren’t properly educated and informed about their choices around technology use.
—
Aarushi Bhandari,
The Conversation,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for properly
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
The 937-pound (425-kilogram) spacecraft will launch into an initial testing orbit on June 27 and perform a series of checkouts to ensure that its basic systems (three main engines, 16 reaction control thrusters, solar arrays, robotic arms) are all working properly.
—
Tariq Malik,
Space.com,
19 June 2026
All five candidates focused on ensuring the person selected is properly qualified and prepared for the position and that there wouldn’t be friction between roles like the city manager and City Council.
—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
19 June 2026
Most people – adults included, with or without children – aren’t properly educated and informed about their choices around technology use.
—
Aarushi Bhandari,
The Conversation,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for properly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for properly
Adverb
-
Workers correctly answered only about one-quarter of survey questions on retirement withdrawals, on average, and nearly half couldn't answer a single question correctly on that topic.
-
Best Practices and Safety Precautions Like any product, diatomaceous earth needs to be applied correctly to actually work and to stay safe for you, your family, and pets.
Adverb
-
Leaders are constantly in a chronic, sympathetic-dominant state that, if not appropriately managed, can have downstream effects on their cardiovascular health, immune functioning, sleep, and even personal relationships.
-
Because probate laws vary by state and estate situations can be complex, consulting an estate attorney or financial professional can also help families avoid mistakes and ensure creditors are handled appropriately.
Cite this Entry
“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/properly. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
