1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard
there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in appropriate
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation
you'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in distinguishing
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The company has identified potential material weaknesses in its internal controls, including a lack of proper segregation of duties, absence of an independent audit committee, and incomplete documentation of internal control effectiveness.
—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
Without proper sterilization, bacterial contamination is a serious concern.
—Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
There is always going to be a risk of contracting the virus from backyard chickens, yet following proper safety measures will lower it.
—Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025
The chairman alleged Sherman colluded with some board members to wrest control by making changes to the board’s composition by appointing two new directors without proper vetting by the nominations committee.
—Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
Without proper sterilization, bacterial contamination is a serious concern.
—Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
There is always going to be a risk of contracting the virus from backyard chickens, yet following proper safety measures will lower it.
—Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025
The chairman alleged Sherman colluded with some board members to wrest control by making changes to the board’s composition by appointing two new directors without proper vetting by the nominations committee.
—Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Despite their polite and understated personalities, the Japanese can’t dim their enthusiasm for baseball’s brightest star.—
Jay Paris,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
-
This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In short: There’s no correct answer; no handbook dictating the exact right way to preserve an entire country’s cultural history.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Put differently, pollsters failed to set the correct expectations for 2024.—
Clifford Young,
The Conversation,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Yoon's lawyers have accused the investigative agency that detained him before his formal arrest of lacking legal authority to probe rebellion charges.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
9 Mar. 2025
-
As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
These steps are inherently time-consuming and demand not only effective collaboration across various departments but also the strategic deployment of appropriate technologies.—
Zoryana Zagorodnya,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Addressing play aggression requires understanding the behavior and consistently implementing appropriate techniques to ensure a happy and balanced home environment.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
While the overall atmosphere and design of the restaurant are aesthetically pleasing, the menu is just as satisfactory.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
-
All factors add up to the simple fact that Pereira has no satisfactory understudy for Strand Larsen.—
Steve Madeley,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
But new correspondence with The Times raises questions about whether that narrative is accurate, or if Bass is withholding public records.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Enhanced Decision Making Centralized content management enhances decision making by giving employees access to accurate, up-to-date information far quicker.—
Daniel Fallmann,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The Boomers’ American Dream of working hard will provide for a nice house with a white picket fence, new cars, a family, financial security, and pensions.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
This option is suitable for individuals who enjoy the feel of memory foam but are concerned about overheating.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
Fox News,
6 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to proper
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share