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
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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
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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
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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
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5
as in characteristic
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
Last week, Hochman insisted that Nick would receive proper representation after Jackson withdrew.
—
Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
For proper rooting, choose healthy and green hardwood rose stems that were produced during the most recent growing season.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
With the right variety, an appropriately sized pot, and proper care, your indoor apple tree can thrive and produce high-quality, juicy fruit.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
Some patients’ vision can be somewhat restored with proper treatment or fully resolved by getting a cornea transplant.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
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This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.—
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Among her trio of old friends on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Kate is the polite peacekeeper.—
Adjective
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Amazon’s listings, automatically generated by an experimental artificial intelligence tool, didn’t always correspond to the correct product in Burzio’s inventory.—
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Most importantly, recipients should ensure their banking details are correct and up to date before requesting or receiving a transfer.—
Adjective
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Investigators turned their case over to the Ventura County and LA County District Attorney's Offices for formal charges.—
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Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.—
Adjective
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The result is a chic, vacation-appropriate alternative that travels beautifully.—
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This is not meant to provide Nix with an excuse, but an appropriate frame of reference.—
Adjective
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While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.—
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And a floral, almost roselike aroma, considered characteristic of wines from cooler regions, was recently discovered to be caused by the inclusion of dead leaves in the ferment.—
Adjective
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But the Outback is satisfactory in both categories.—
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Storage Solutions Just one simple medicine cabinet in the bathroom is no longer satisfactory for today's homebuyers, who crave an abundance of storage.—
Adjective
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Mostly, though, Boland strangles batters with his suffocating and deadly-accurate line and length.—
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Comedians can sometimes be eerily accurate in the way their jokes predict the future.—
Adjective
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The suede upper is also a nice departure from classic leather on other styles.—
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Monogramming linens and towels is always a nice touch.—
Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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