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
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 proper
Others, meanwhile, criticized the father for not getting his daughter the proper counseling needed after the incident from her past.
—
Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 24 May 2025
Without proper treatment, these conditions may cause permanent liver damage.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 24 May 2025
One bill denies the public access to records of complaints against police and corrections officers until a complaint is adjudicated by a proper legal authority.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
However, for those who have received the vaccine, some may not be developing a proper immune response.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 24 May 2025
Without proper treatment, these conditions may cause permanent liver damage.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 24 May 2025
One bill denies the public access to records of complaints against police and corrections officers until a complaint is adjudicated by a proper legal authority.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
However, for those who have received the vaccine, some may not be developing a proper immune response.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
-
Instead, Storm reached the bottom rope to a polite pop from Glendale.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Sometimes the threat of a fine can produce better results than a polite request.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the Notify field, verify that your email address is correct.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
-
That included two — Matt G. and Gaurav A. — who only had Carolina left on their entry, meaning they were guaranteed a correct answer.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
This installation for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cantor Roof Garden comprises four sculptural elements that explore the sonic and formal potential of simple stringed instruments.—
Caitlin Woolsey,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
-
The city is still preparing its formal response to the findings.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
The suit seeks compensatory and general damages and special and/or punitive damages, costs associated with filing the lawsuit and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
If your submission is selected for inclusion in the NPR News Quiz, you will be acknowledged in a list of contributors on NPR's website or otherwise receive appropriate credit, but failure to do so shall not be deemed a breach of your rights.—
Holly J. Morris,
NPR,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
However, the conditions are not satisfactory to all.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
The tablet also supports Dolby Atmos sound, and while the stereo separation is satisfactory, don't expect to be surrounded by the audio.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.—
Bryan Karrick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.—
Lawrence Burney,
Pitchfork,
28 May 2025
-
Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share