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
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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
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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
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5
as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
The lawsuit focuses on communication and procedural issues, alleging that Jackson County did not follow the proper legal steps before raising home values by upwards of 15% per parcel.
—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
6 July 2026
If not replanting a shrub, fill the hole and level the ground, being sure to slope it away from structures for proper drainage.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
5 July 2026
But a total of 150-4 seemed at least 20 runs below par, and it was put into proper context by the ease with which Australia raced to their target.
—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Les Caves du Roy at Hôtel Byblos is an undisputed institution—open since 1967 and still the benchmark for a proper Saint-Tropez night out.
—
Karli Poliziani,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
6 July 2026
If not replanting a shrub, fill the hole and level the ground, being sure to slope it away from structures for proper drainage.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
5 July 2026
But a total of 150-4 seemed at least 20 runs below par, and it was put into proper context by the ease with which Australia raced to their target.
—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
5 July 2026
Les Caves du Roy at Hôtel Byblos is an undisputed institution—open since 1967 and still the benchmark for a proper Saint-Tropez night out.
—
Karli Poliziani,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
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The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
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Then, when regular channels deny your claim, send a polite, concise email to the company’s executives.
Adjective
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Jevremovic sued him for defamation in December but a judge threw out the case, citing that it hadn’t been filed in the correct jurisdiction.
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Croatia still furious Despite the correct decision being made, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić was far from happy, saying VAR had ruined the spirit of the game.
Adjective
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Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires.
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The impression was bolstered Friday afternoon when dozens of A-list celebrities were seen heading into the venue in formal wear, from Karlie Kloss and Hugh Grant to Jason Sudeikis and Chris Jones.
Adjective
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Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, age-appropriate books every month to children from birth to age five.
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Recent policies that State Shield has supported include a Tennessee bill requiring the state board of education to adopt age-appropriate instruction related to communism and a Louisiana resolution encouraging economic ties with Taiwan.
Adjective
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In the photos, Blondeau is seen in her characteristic bun adorned with flowers and white cape-overlay gown, holding a calla lily bouquet.
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As radio waves travel across the universe, interstellar gas muddies them, generating a characteristic delay in the signal that depends on frequency.
Adjective
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Kelley said the company believed the existing easement was satisfactory and wasn’t told otherwise until after investing years of work on he project.
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For writing, editing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing, performance proved entirely satisfactory.
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
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ISPs would be well within their rights to advertise accurate monthly prices and charge those exact prices on monthly bills.
Adjective
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Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.
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Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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