proprieties

plural of propriety
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

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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proprieties
Noun
  • By the Victorian era, particularly following Prince Albert’s death in 1861 and Queen Victoria’s subsequent four decades in mourning, bereavement had evolved into an elaborate system of social etiquette.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And there would have been girls rebelling against social etiquette back then, like, there would now.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Containerized units support flexible replacement The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proprieties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proprieties. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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