Definition of proprietynext
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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

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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 propriety Throughout the crisis, her burgeoning friendship with the hostage’s wife, challenges Barb’s usual sense of propriety and self-containment. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025 This is a regimented world driven by ritual and propriety and a fear of seeming out of step. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025 Law enforcement recovered multiple digital devices belonging to Gong, some of which contained the company's propriety files. Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025 The curtains are drawn, the wine is chilled…Wear something reckless, as though mocking propriety. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
  • The short video clip sparked online debate about culture, class and proper etiquette for eating certain foods.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Taking the high-road—and practicing good meeting etiquette—can ultimately be an effective way to earn recognition, show genuine commitment, and build credibility.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • For the Blue Jays, Bichette would be their franchise shortstop in the same manner he's been for the last few years.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Once testing is complete, DSS will work closely with our EBT vendor to issue benefits in a timely manner.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • An argument over the appropriateness of the scene between Chase and Brown allegedly included an utterance of the N-word by Chase, which led to Brown storming off the set.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Blanche defended the redactions, saying a team of more than two dozen lawyers conducted a second-level review to ensure their appropriateness.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Usually, nothing happens, because that’s the beauty of us everywhere, there’s the same story, just the decorum changes and the dynamic changes.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Others just get giddy having a green light to upend society’s rules of decorum, even for a short window of time.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Overturning the validity of the IEEPA tariffs but doing as Katyal suggested and limiting the decision to prospective relief could thread an incredibly difficult needle.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
  • However, some experts question the validity of these testing measures.
    Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The photographs are a reminder of the decency of ordinary Americans, and a memento mori, a warning of the risks to which Newsom is exposing himself.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Thompson mentions that cartoons from this era often leaned on straightforward ideas about decency, and Doug fit that mold without being preachy about it.
    Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Federal courts of appeals have divided over the question of scope of applicability.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, by the time of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which allowed the Taliban to return to power, the perception of the morality and efficacy of that long war had dwindled in the international community.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • To be a genre television spy requires a particular sense of morality and truth, coupled with a self-preservation instinct that means never letting your guard down.
    Lily Osler, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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