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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 Travel + Leisure has spoken with podiatrists over the years about the best shoes for travel, and their advice always leads us back to arch support, shock absorption, and proper alignment. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025 That case initially resulted in a default judgment, but Way is challenging the default, blaming his prior lawyer for failing to share his proper contact information. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025 The kitchen has gone without a working dishwasher and hot water, preventing proper disinfection, the complaint says. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025 As a workhorse spot that does it all from cooking and entertaining to day-to-day dining—plus everything else in between—the kitchen deserves some proper attention. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
  • Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His boss and co-worker remember him as quiet, polite and professional.
    James Bandler, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What Happens Next If Morgan is correct, Harry's standing in the broader royal family may be worse than previously thought.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Personalization can only happen if AI has access to all of the necessary and correct data.
    Rohan Joshi, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The family posed for Christmas photos in matching red formal wear and themed elf onesies in 2023, when Alcala was pregnant with Alianna.
    Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Both sides have submitted arguments to the organization and will await a decision on whether there will be a formal investigation.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Zeb Scoville and Emily what would be the appropriate tagline to put on this and immediately everybody said, 'Tough and Competent.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Try to consult with the appropriate professionals if needed.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Yet a great deal remained to be paid with funds expected after the submission of satisfactory progress reports.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Assuming that number is accurate, Rick would have been born around 1975, probably after Jim started doing business in Thailand.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There's a free in-app voice transcription feature too, which is just as accurate as the pricier, stand-alone software out there.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a nice improvement, though short of Apple's 10-hour estimate.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Women can wear a nice top and skirt, a knee-length or midi dress, or a suit.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person. Follow me on Twitter.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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