1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manner
proprieties plural
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting
I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses
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 propriety
Women entered public life, and standards of decorum shifted to accommodate them, though certainly not to include them—gender segregation became a paramount concern, according to Baldwin, for preserving the modesty and propriety of women.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
Some critics deemed the set an act of heresy, an affront to folk music propriety.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Jan. 2025
Expect trendy shoes from Good American like a denim pointed-toe slingback or even a ballet flat in crocodile, largely treated with their propriety On Cloud sole designed for comfort.
—Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
From professional oversight to social propriety, the pedometer served as a subtle but powerful mediator, quantifying life in ways that both reflected and challenged evolving norms of individual accountability and public transparency.
—Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for propriety
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Jan. 2025
Some critics deemed the set an act of heresy, an affront to folk music propriety.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Jan. 2025
Expect trendy shoes from Good American like a denim pointed-toe slingback or even a ballet flat in crocodile, largely treated with their propriety On Cloud sole designed for comfort.
—Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
From professional oversight to social propriety, the pedometer served as a subtle but powerful mediator, quantifying life in ways that both reflected and challenged evolving norms of individual accountability and public transparency.
—Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
-
From an etiquette standpoint, there may be another way.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The comedian, 42, joked that his dad has been schooling him on proper Emmy etiquette ever since the trophy arrived.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
One of the biggest mysteries in the cryptoasset sector is, despite the rapid and comprehensive pivot of U.S. policymakers to one of a pro-crypto outlook, why cryptoasset prices have yet to respond decisively and in a sustained manner.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
-
His manner with the girl is more bemused, placating.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The biggest challenges facing Coral Gables are public safety, irresponsible development, a lack of transparency and a lack of decorum in government.—
Miami Herald Staff,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Breaches of decorum have become a recurring trend that many members of Congress no doubt dislike.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
However, the legal challenges already emerging suggest that the judiciary will play a crucial role in determining the validity and implementation of these orders.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Hochman filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court to rescind Gascon's request, presenting an analysis of the facts of the case that are far less favorable to the brothers and raising questions about the validity of their self-defense claims.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
His public defense team, led by Anne Taylor, has tried — to no avail — to remove capital punishment as a sentencing option, arguing that the death penalty is unconstitutional, breaks with evolving standards of decency and is arbitrarily applied.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Mar. 2025
-
How it got expressed in Tony was not sharp elbows, but a boundless, Midwestern good nature, and decency.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Ultimately, the Islamic Republic temporarily removed the morality police from the streets to ease tensions.—
Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Mar. 2025
-
The playwright believes this frankness lends the play a relatable and powerful authenticity, prompting audiences to reflect deeply on issues of legacy, morality, and historical accountability.—
Court Stroud,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The key here is relevance—AI ensures the right message reaches the right player at the right time.—
Ying Yang,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Since 2019, for example, China, Iran, and Russia have occasionally conducted joint military exercises in a trilateral format, but these exercises had little strategic relevance.—
Christopher S. Chivvis,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Navigating Political and Ethical Considerations of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve By embracing bitcoin as a vital national reserve asset, the United States positions itself at the forefront of economic innovation, fiscal prudence, and visionary thinking.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Carroll picked contractors to do the work and agreed on a price without waiting for competing bids, authorized them to pave at night when rain forecasts would normally have halted work, and generally gave speed priority over the usual prudence.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share