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 From there, the bacteria can get into the urethra as a result of poor hygiene or improper wiping in the bathroom, then ascend into the urinary tract. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 Edward Kabacinski pleaded no contest to improper possession of a firearm, according to online Macomb County Circuit Court records. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025 But Vance recently urged Americans to call the employers of those who posted improper sentiments about slain activist Charlie Kirk. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 Cooked onions, peppers, chicken, ground beef and shredded beef were at improper holding temperatures. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • This means exposing the shoulders, showing too much leg above the knees, or wearing clothing with crude or inappropriate imagery.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Section 5 would've set new terms for challenging material that anyone may find inappropriate, and ultimately vest public local officials with the power to issue a final ruling on the dispute.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This closeness causes gravitational instability that existing planetary formation models have suggested should result in an environment unsuitable for planet formation.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • They were placed there by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after being deemed unsuitable for wild release.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information, and the story has been updated.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Terrebonne resident Emmanuelle Bossé told public broadcaster CBC Radio-Canada in May her ballot was returned to sender because of an incorrect postal code on the return envelope provided by the national elections commission.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Watters said letting visitors toss vegetables through the fence could send the wrong message, normalizing the idea of being close enough to feed a bear.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • New York Giants star rookie running back Cam Skattebo was the talk of the NFL world on Sunday for all the wrong reasons after going down with what appears to be a season-ending leg or ankle injury in the team's Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, if temperatures fluctuate unpredictably, going below or above the average, all the low-var animals will be unfit and unable to pass on their genes.
    Shraddha Lall, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025
  • But rivals like former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and former California State Controller Betty Yee are already framing her as unfit for office.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following Dombrowski’s comments and his belief that Harper is unhappy with his current contract situation, Sherman opened the door to a potential offseason trade that sends Harper elsewhere.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • People who will be sent there include those who let their poor unhappy doggies bark endlessly, those who throw trash on the beach and those who hunt exotic animals for sport.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improper

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