IMPROPER Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

improper

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər

Definition of improper next

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 House Oversight Committee’s Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) panel will convene its first hearing Wednesday morning, weighing improper payments and fraud. —

The Hill Staff, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2025 The Government Accountability Office estimated in a report that the government made $236 billion in improper payments — three-quarters of which were overpayments — across 71 federal programs during the 2023 fiscal year. —

Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025 The 31-year-old was charged with hit and run, improper lane change, reckless driving and reckless conduct in the Jan. 28 collision along Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department. —

Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2025 Silver was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, improper use of registration plates, traveling unreasonably fast and improper rear lamps. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for improper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper

Adjective

Louden does and says things that are inappropriate in the film.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Sánchez's bold look sent the internet into a frenzy, with many people feeling the attire was inappropriate for the occasion.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025