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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective proper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proper are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When would appropriate be a good substitute for proper?

Although the words appropriate and proper have much in common, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can apt be used instead of proper?

The meanings of apt and proper largely overlap; however, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is it sensible to use felicitous instead of proper?

While in some cases nearly identical to proper, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than proper?

In some situations, the words fit and proper are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than proper?

The words fitting and proper can be used in similar contexts, but fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

In what contexts can happy take the place of proper?

The words happy and proper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When could meet be used to replace proper?

The synonyms meet and proper are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

Where would suitable be a reasonable alternative to proper?

While the synonyms suitable and proper are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

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 proper What’s lost in such diluted coverage is proper assessment of the basic cultural unit. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025 Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, athletic clothes, running shoes, a towel and proper swimming attire to camp each day. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025 Heat this severe impacts anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration, not just vulnerable populations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 Because carrot seeds are tiny, which makes proper spacing challenging, seed companies also sell pelleted carrots. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
  • Just be polite and point out the issue at checkout.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
  • From a software engineering perspective, being polite is a waste of resources.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, if an inverter fails to detect the correct frequency or if the frequency is disrupted, the energy transmission is disconnected.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Prosecutors argued in their filing on July 29 that Joseph was correct and that Adelman should allow the case to proceed.
    John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Just last year, California Olive Ranch became the first company in North America to receive formal regenerative certification from A Greener World for over 4,600 acres on their own ranches.
    Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The color selection and style make this pair a great option for both casual and formal events since they can be worn with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • King, a House member of 12 years, said both the tenor and the substance of Thompson's remarks were appropriate for the moment.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The law is meant to preserve a person's civil liberties as much as possible and that the treatment provided is appropriate to the person's needs.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • One factor that now seems to ensure a satisfactory resolution for both parties is the resurrection of the NFL’s interest in taking an equity stake in ESPN, rumors of which first began circulating in early 2024.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 July 2025
  • The plane’s fuel was tested and found to be of satisfactory quality, and no significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path, according to the report.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Call your insurance company and verify that the estimate is accurate to your policy.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Near And Far The Near Field Mode is suitable for use at a computer desk where spatial accuracy and proximity immersion are essential.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • In June, The Athletic explained whether Watkins was suitable for United or not.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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