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
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting
questioned the properness of having any curfew at all for people of college age
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 proper
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
Adjective
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
-
But, even if Netanyahu’s figures were correct, that would still be less than two hundred trucks per day—far below what humanitarian organizations have said that hungry Gazans need.—
Mosab Abu Toha,
New Yorker,
12 June 2025
-
The second uses a tuning algorithm to adapt to changing environmental inputs and correct deviations in real-time.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Grab a dress that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions while prices start at just $13.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
13 June 2025
-
How to Identify High-Value Problems Worth Solving Finding bottlenecks worth addressing requires both formal and informal research methods.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
13 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
-
Bottom line: Even when data show that generative AI is more accurate, patients still want to talk with a human when facing complex or life-threatening decisions.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes.com,
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
-
From my perspective, this is a nice example of Cisco’s growing emphasis on easing the customer/user experience.—
Patrick Moorhead,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
Housing advocates have cautioned that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing.—
Matthew Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share