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
What’s lost in such diluted coverage is proper assessment of the basic cultural unit.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, athletic clothes, running shoes, a towel and proper swimming attire to camp each day.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Heat this severe impacts anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration, not just vulnerable populations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Because carrot seeds are tiny, which makes proper spacing challenging, seed companies also sell pelleted carrots.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, athletic clothes, running shoes, a towel and proper swimming attire to camp each day.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Heat this severe impacts anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration, not just vulnerable populations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Because carrot seeds are tiny, which makes proper spacing challenging, seed companies also sell pelleted carrots.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Just be polite and point out the issue at checkout.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 July 2025
-
From a software engineering perspective, being polite is a waste of resources.—
Adrian Bridgwater,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Those who bet on Shohei Ohtani to get the first hit of the game were correct.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Even if this prediction turns out to be correct, though, the economy will have lagged behind during the first half of the year.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ordered, balanced, formal, and restrained, the chapel draws from Wren’s and James Gibbs’s churches.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
19 July 2025
-
The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and will have additional details to share very shortly.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bad guests consider every horizontal surface to be an appropriate trash receptacle.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
In theory, the maps enable homeowners, businesses and local officials to understand their flood risk and take appropriate steps to prepare and mitigate potential losses.—
Jeremy Porter,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
One factor that now seems to ensure a satisfactory resolution for both parties is the resurrection of the NFL’s interest in taking an equity stake in ESPN, rumors of which first began circulating in early 2024.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
25 July 2025
-
The plane’s fuel was tested and found to be of satisfactory quality, and no significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path, according to the report.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Going back and researching, Gatiss learned this was accurate.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
15 July 2025
-
What other sources would a historian use to double-check that this document is accurate?—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 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.com,
16 July 2025
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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