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 The main opinion agreed that such statements were improper. News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 Tyrone Crawford is charged with reckless homicide, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence following the June 29 death of his wife, Alexis Curtis, according to Middletown police. Fox19 Staff, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Ten restaurants scored 68 or lower on their initial inspections, with violations ranging from improper food storage to unsanitary conditions. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 29-year-old man from Lisle was arrested on charges of improper lane usage, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol at 12:27 a.m. July 1 at East Chicago Avenue and South Naper Boulevard. Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • Once the encounter was posted online, internet sleuths quickly detected the identity of the duo, and the encounter was deemed particularly inappropriate given Byron is married.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Back then, Trump derided White House events for foreign dignitaries held in tents, saying that was an inappropriate way to entertain them.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Intermittent fasting, for example, may be unsuitable for people with pre-existing conditions or irritable bowel syndrome.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 17 July 2025
  • While effective in commercial spheres, this approach to AI, which often involves a disregard for data privacy, is viewed as unsuitable for Washington.
    Dean DeBiase, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Andy Byron has not put out any statement; reports saying otherwise are all incorrect.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • One company statement referenced the video and stories related to it by pointing out incorrect information.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the calculation is wrong, everything downstream—equipment selection, duct sizing, airflow balancing—will also be off.
    Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Anxiety about your bowel habits may stem from the belief that there’s something wrong with them.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • While red flags were posted on nearby sections of the beach, her lawsuit alleges the city should have known the entire area was unfit for swimming.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Trump's nomination of Adams this month stirred outrage among some of the president's opponents at home who said Adams was unfit for the job.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Things will become much clearer once Jenkins — who is unhappy with his current contract is currently sidelined with a back injury — begins practicing.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Galino is unhappy with how Jimenez is running his territory, and thinks Tommy can help the cartel get into the oil business.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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