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as in manner
proprieties plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 propriety Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Questions of fairness The law commands respect, and courtesy and propriety are always in order. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025 As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety. Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 Tim’s whole life has been rooted in propriety, but this trip seems to be changing him. Noel Murray, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
  • Leighton said that’s exactly the kind of etiquette slight people need to endeavor to avoid.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Southerners are notorious for being bad at saying goodbye, thanks to our dedication to manners.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
  • Tether, the other juggernaut of the crypto-native stablecoin world, has been diversifying investments and operations in a significant manner.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Traditionally such words haven’t been published or aired in mainstream outlets that sought to uphold what once was seen as a standard of decorum.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Robert Rodriguez lionizes Richard Linklater Historically one of highest of Texas Medal of Arts highlights came in 2009 when moviemaker Robert Rodriguez accepted his honor with a lively, funny speech that threw out the rules of decorum.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The new interpretation casts legal doubts about the validity of the past three mayors.
    Lauren De Young, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
  • Successive administrations did not fully fund these means to check employment validity.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Another day, another assault on decency, democracy, and the true American way.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • In his thorough contempt for every trace of human decency, Hoult rivals the most upsetting versions of the Joker, implacably evil men who tap into prehistoric fears of the predator in the bushes.
    Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • And then reality crashes down around them in a series of scenes that expose the cruel hypocrisy of Iran’s corrupt system (which purports to uphold morality, but allows men in positions of authority to indulge themselves in egregious ways).
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The post did not address the morality of allowing biological males in girls sports.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • An examiner's case theory or personal assumptions about relevance can influence which data makes it into the final report.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Garcia continues to explore the potential of voiceover in the civic realm, ensuring that stories, messages, and calls to action are delivered with emotional depth and cultural relevance.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But other supporters of the former president chose to ask for prudence in negotiations.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • Scouting in stealth: Heat scouring for success (if) at No. 20 in NBA draft ASK IRA: Is practicing prudence essential in Heat not mortgaging future in a Durant deal?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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