Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective improper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of improper are indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When would indecorous be a good substitute for improper?

The synonyms indecorous and improper are sometimes interchangeable, but indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than improper?

The words indelicate and improper can be used in similar contexts, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of improper?

While in some cases nearly identical to improper, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When could unseemly be used to replace improper?

The words unseemly and improper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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 improper Corpus, however, continues to deny any improper relationship with her former chief of staff. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025 Several foods including shell pasta and chicken stock were improper cooled, and cooked chicken was placed below raw fish and work in the walk-in. Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Enlow points out that less than 1 percent of Arizona’s ESA funds end up being used on improper payments, which is significantly lower than the rate in other social-subsidy programs like food stamps. Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Krajewski was transported to Troop D in Danielson for processing, where he was charged with engaging police in pursuit, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, operating under suspension, and improper use of registration plates. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • Avoid anything offensive, violent or inappropriate.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • In the video, Adams accuses the man of being inappropriate with a minor on Grindr, a LGBTQ+ dating and social networking app where the minimum age to make an account is 18.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump turned instead to the Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, a flagrantly unsuitable choice; Trump’s private lawyer, Boris Epshteyn, encouraged the selection.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Inadequate performance or products unsuitable for retirement plans can open them to legal ramifications.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In high-stakes environments, this tendency toward overreliance is particularly dangerous: Users may accept incorrect AI suggestions, especially if delivered with apparent confidence.
    David Autor, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
  • No other incorrect packaging has been discovered or reported to date.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Worse, voters from both bodies get it wrong way too often.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
  • One wrong step sent Luhn hurtling down the side of the mountain.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bolton, who served in President Donald Trump’s first term, has become a vocal critic of the administration’s foreign policy and called the president unfit to serve.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Trump continues to dismiss Bolton as disloyal and ineffective, while Bolton has positioned himself as one of Trump's fiercest Republican critics, arguing that the former president is unfit for office and a danger to national security.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Khaleda Rahman Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And a surprising amount of grace from staff who, although unhappy with the changes, felt respected.
    Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The Heat, at the time, wanted to dump Lowry — who was unhappy about his diminished role — and believed Rozier would give Miami an offensive infusion.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improper

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