1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manner
proprieties plural
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
3
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting
I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses
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 propriety
This version of Evangelina—the one that’s the picture of propriety —is the one that has endured until now.
—
Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
Ibsen was exploding bourgeois hypocrisy by cramming his plot with taboos, then asserting that the greatest sin was the propriety that kept people from speaking frankly and living freely.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Marshall kept pressing the point beyond the bounds of propriety.
—Tevi Troy, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Andrews' nuanced design of P.L. Travers' creation is an astute, mellifluous, and delightfully intimidating creature of talent and propriety — and as the world would realize, so, too, was Andrews.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
Ibsen was exploding bourgeois hypocrisy by cramming his plot with taboos, then asserting that the greatest sin was the propriety that kept people from speaking frankly and living freely.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Marshall kept pressing the point beyond the bounds of propriety.
—Tevi Troy, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Andrews' nuanced design of P.L. Travers' creation is an astute, mellifluous, and delightfully intimidating creature of talent and propriety — and as the world would realize, so, too, was Andrews.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
-
Between various lessons on packing, lodge etiquette on the trek to Base Camp, and where to ask for toilet paper, Coster returned again and again to reminders for the group to chill out and enjoy the journey.—
Ben Ayers,
Outside Online,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Practicing proper etiquette and being kind should always take precedence over having material things.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This treatment offers the potential for full recovery, provided it is administered in a timely manner.—
Mill Etienne,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Video Shows Brothers, 7 and 9, Engaged in Armed Standoff with Police After Refusing to Turn Over Loaded Gun An autopsy report released soon after determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death to be homicide.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
As that pattern has played out in Aurora over the last year, the City Council has struggled at times to maintain decorum inside — and occasionally outside — its chamber.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
12 May 2025
-
With the shocking exception of the attack on Mr. Rushdie, a certain sense of decorum is still observed at even the most contentious lectures.—
Christopher Maag,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The rapper’s attorneys questioned the validity of the search warrants that police obtained to round up the evidence.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
-
When an article is submitted to a journal, most medical journals utilize double-blinded peer review, meaning the article is sent out typically to two to four medical experts to assess the validity of the manuscript and if publication is warranted.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
That Justice Souter, in truth, does not is revealed by the many articles published since his passing, which tend to discuss his erudition, decency, and wit, and even his lunch, exercise, sartorial habits, and other charming New Englander quirks—but not so much in the way of influential writings.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
15 May 2025
-
The single-camera comedy offers a collection of disturbing stories that push the boundaries of decency in ways only Tom Segura could imagine.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
In the film, morality becomes ambiguous, and malleable even, as Coogler brilliantly illustrates duality in his characters and their development while incorporating themes of Hoodoo and Christianity.—
Nia Shumake,
Essence,
15 May 2025
-
Global Constellation has unveiled a first exclusive still for the film, described as a harrowing and timely meditation on the collapse of morality in wartime, and the cost of survival when humanity itself is on the brink.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
The concept took off quite quickly, boosted by the timely relevance of Covid in 2020.—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
The cultural relevance of games means that these opportunities are multiplying.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
Exercising that prudence requires the consideration of several factors.—
Ellen P. Aprill,
The Conversation,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share