as in etiquette
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 proprieties
Faulkner said the Apartment Association will also help arrange community gatherings with first responders at participating proprieties.
—
Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
At this point, the proprieties of writing op eds call upon us to offer citations to this effect.
—Oded J K Faran, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
At this point, the proprieties of writing op eds call upon us to offer citations to this effect.
—Oded J K Faran, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proprieties
Noun
-
Good ex-etiquette doesn’t require emotional intimacy with your ex.—
Jann Blackstone,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This letter is not only a breach of etiquette, but also a conflict of professional interest.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Two innings later, Team USA got its first two runs in the same manner but offered a contrast in styles.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The office also didn’t deposit checks in a timely manner, the recent audit found.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proprieties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proprieties. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
