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
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Recent Examples of proper
Probationary employees largely rely on the Special Counsel to back them when challenging a dismissal through the proper government channels rather than suing.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Did investigators follow all the proper procedures?
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
This was preventable; with better, smarter leadership along with a populace that rewarded leadership for being proper stewards of the community and its assets.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
When your kitchen is organized, with every item in its proper place, your fridge can do its job properly—preserving food at its best and reducing spoilage.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Did investigators follow all the proper procedures?
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
This was preventable; with better, smarter leadership along with a populace that rewarded leadership for being proper stewards of the community and its assets.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
When your kitchen is organized, with every item in its proper place, your fridge can do its job properly—preserving food at its best and reducing spoilage.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Interaction with the clients is very polite, very kind—but very short.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Grownups in his life describe him as friendly, polite, curious, bright, and playful.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
2 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
-
Its night time resting heart heart rate measurement is 99.6% accurate, while its heart rate variability (the variation in time between consecutive heart beats) is 98% accurate when compared to a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.—
Shubham Yewale,
PCMAG,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 14 Mar. 2025.
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