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
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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
Most good vacuums can last between five and seven years with proper care, according to Griffin.
—
Toni Sutton, People.com, 5 June 2025
Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, but it can be controlled with proper medical care.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
All the animals, including Thunder, were seized and the homeowner was charged with felony animal cruelty and three counts of confining animals without proper food, care, and sustenance, officials said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Toni Sutton, People.com, 5 June 2025
Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, but it can be controlled with proper medical care.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
All the animals, including Thunder, were seized and the homeowner was charged with felony animal cruelty and three counts of confining animals without proper food, care, and sustenance, officials said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Instead, Storm reached the bottom rope to a polite pop from Glendale.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Sometimes the threat of a fine can produce better results than a polite request.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Within the workspace, one agentic AI can be used to remediate vulnerabilities in the code in Terraform and then route to another agent that will check the syntax to make sure that everything is correct.—
Edouard Viot,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
That included two — Matt G. and Gaurav A. — who only had Carolina left on their entry, meaning they were guaranteed a correct answer.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
This installation for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cantor Roof Garden comprises four sculptural elements that explore the sonic and formal potential of simple stringed instruments.—
Caitlin Woolsey,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
-
Square limestone columns with a wavy, striated design stand between the formal living and dining areas.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
The suit seeks compensatory and general damages and special and/or punitive damages, costs associated with filing the lawsuit and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
If your submission is selected for inclusion in the NPR News Quiz, you will be acknowledged in a list of contributors on NPR's website or otherwise receive appropriate credit, but failure to do so shall not be deemed a breach of your rights.—
Holly J. Morris,
NPR,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Father’s Day tends to carry the rep of being a lower-key celebration, with a satisfactory time including food and beverages, maybe a clothing item, and peace and quiet.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 June 2025
-
Multiple audits — including one presented to the supervisors last month — found the company has continuously fallen short of the 90-95% compliance rate needed for a satisfactory rating.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.—
Bryan Karrick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.—
Lawrence Burney,
Pitchfork,
28 May 2025
-
Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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