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
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Recent Examples of proper
That means mow your grass at the proper height for your species and fertilize and irrigate correctly.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
His uncle wanted to show him the ropes, but there were obstacles: equipment cost, building things to code, researching the proper setup.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Whenever removing paint, wear the proper respirator to protect against both particles and fumes.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
According to the correction plan, a new chief nursing officer will oversee the department until a director with the proper credentials can be hired.
—Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
His uncle wanted to show him the ropes, but there were obstacles: equipment cost, building things to code, researching the proper setup.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Whenever removing paint, wear the proper respirator to protect against both particles and fumes.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
According to the correction plan, a new chief nursing officer will oversee the department until a director with the proper credentials can be hired.
—Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
If a client goes quiet, a polite but firm follow-up message outlining next steps can nudge resolution.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The mother is friendly and the son is quiet and polite.—
Rebecca Chace
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Why Do People Use Skin Bleaching? Skin bleaching can be used to even out skin tone and correct areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
6 July 2025
-
Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mamdani has secured endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but lacks formal support from Hochul and two other prominent New York lawmakers, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
That would likely leave a 10% base tariff, as well as the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs in place until details of a formal trade agreement are ironed out.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
These ribbons can be steamed, boiled, or even served raw with an appropriate sauce.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 July 2025
-
When asked by the judge near the start of Wednesday’s hours-long hearing, attorneys for the parties could not reach an agreement on an appropriate value for the sanctions.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
The other specs are perfectly satisfactory for a model at this price.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 July 2025
-
Synan’s attorney declined to comment on a similar question, as well as a question about whether the resignation is a satisfactory outcome for the police chief.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
All odds are accurate as of 5:00 a.m. ET on Friday.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
-
Each piece has a sturdy coated iron frame that’s rust-resistant and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure, while the chairs are covered in a quick-drying breathable fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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