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 What is an improper payment? Health care experts emphasized that improper payments are not the same thing as waste, fraud and abuse. Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Additionally, packaging defects such as weak seams or improper sealing can allow contamination or gas leaks that lead to uneven pressure. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Before then, an officer could only cite you for using your phone after you had been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or an improper lane change. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 In 2023, auditors found A1’s Frederick County branch engaged in improper scheduling and monitoring. Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • Last season, Horner also came under scrutiny during an investigation into inappropriate and controlling behavior towards a female employee.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
  • Outrageous videos of purple-haired teachers voicing deeply political and inappropriate content on social media often reach millions of people, creating the false impression that teachers are generally unhinged and want to use their perch to push a personal agenda.
    Carrie Lukas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s also the risk that the new genes are unsuitable for Florida waters, and any interbreeding would weaken local stock.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025
  • Washing Windows Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rumors the man lost a limb are incorrect, friends of the victim with Raw Surf posted on the business' Facebook page.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • An online commercial real estate site, LoopNet.com, still showed the theater property as up for auction Thursday, but Robinson said the listing is incorrect.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, according to the Baseball Rules Academy, the umpires got the call wrong.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • One of the company’s big assumptions about the phone had turned out to be wrong.
    Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Newcastle was eight games into the 2020-21 season with no wins to its name, its squad unfit and directionless.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • But the dreamscape is an airless place, unfit for permanent residence.
    Book Marks July 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • This gives the creditor an additional target to pursue and make very unhappy which can indirectly put pressure on the debtor to pay the judgment.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Circulation increased and the publication won two Pulitzer Prizes, but the owner, conservative Harry Guggenheim, was unhappy with the paper’s shift to the left, and he and Moyers were divided over the Vietnam War and the 1968 presidential election.
    Carmel Dagan, Variety, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improper

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