Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective improper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of improper are indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When would indecorous be a good substitute for improper?

The synonyms indecorous and improper are sometimes interchangeable, but indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than improper?

The words indelicate and improper can be used in similar contexts, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of improper?

While in some cases nearly identical to improper, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When could unseemly be used to replace improper?

The words unseemly and improper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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 improper She was detained after she was pulled over by the Dalton Police Department on May 5 and accused of making an improper turn and driving without a proper license. Daniella Silva, NBC news, 21 May 2025 Despite this notice, Snowball and Pain Management, LLC continued to submit improper claims to Medicare for evaluation and management services until August 2023. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025 Trump, who has painted past legal cases against him as an improper political use of law enforcement, has in a number of instances called for probes of his foes. Sarah N. Lynch, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The report alleges a range of major violations plaguing St. Hope Public Schools — including conflicts of interests among its top officers, improper use of public funding, deficient accounting processes and the employment of a largely unqualified teaching staff. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • Both the city’s account and Mayor Quinton Lucas issued online apologies that night, agreeing that the post was inappropriate.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • There can be a change to the list if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on another would be inappropriate.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Any useless, toxic or otherwise unsuitable man can become a child’s legal father, without being subject to the thorough checks that these women must face.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 23 May 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement Some insects are adapting to changing climates by moving to regions that might have previously been unsuitable.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The senators are incorrect three times, and surely more.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • But here’s the twist: both might technically be incorrect.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a right way and a wrong way to do it Matt Sekerke is a managing director at SEDA Experts and senior macro advisor at Hiddenite Capital Partners.
    Matt Sekerke, Fortune, 30 May 2025
  • But even putting O’Brien on notice would be an attempt to intimidate and silence a critic, which is plainly wrong.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The man, 41, was taken to the hospital once the flight landed, and he was later arrested on suspicion of being unfit for duty, per the statement.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • The trouble is, the president who insisted that Biden was unfit now encourages speculation about seeking a clearly unconstitutional third term.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Netflix In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega revealed that the massive success following 'Wednesday' actually left her unhappy.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improper

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