1
a
: corresponding in size, degree, or intensity
b
: having the same or a constant ratio
corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional
2
: regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions
a proportional system of immigration quotas
a proportional font/typeface [=a font/typeface with characters of various widths]
Examples of proportional in a Sentence
Adjective
The features of the face in the drawing are proportional.
the website's popularity increased exponentially, resulting in a proportional increase in advertising revenue
Recent Examples on the Web
IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2017
The bottom line: Arkansas would need to add 20 moms to the legislature to achieve representation proportional with the population of the U.S., the report said.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
The School Board at the time decided not to give charter schools a proportional share of the revenues collected based on student enrollment.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proportional
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Noun
This sensor uses an enzyme that catalyzes glucose to create hydrogen peroxide, which is further oxidized at the electrode to release electrons, thus generating an electrical current proportional to the glucose concentration.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2017
The bottom line: Arkansas would need to add 20 moms to the legislature to achieve representation proportional with the population of the U.S., the report said.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
These reforms opened up the possibility that a minority candidate could secure the Democratic nomination through a more proportional allocation of delegates.
—Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
The School Board at the time decided not to give charter schools a proportional share of the revenues collected based on student enrollment.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proportional
Cite this Entry
“Proportional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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