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
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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 distinguishing
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
Owens says this is essential to a child's proper development.
—
Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 19 Feb. 2025
President Donald Trump, in his interview with Fox News, sees states like Iowa, Indiana and New Hampshire, among others, taking the proper approaches in education.
—Kristina Watrobski, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
But this only works if real technology guardrails, industrywide standards, and the proper legislation are all in place.
—Dan Neely, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
The filmmaker, now working on a proper sequel, shares stories behind his cult hit two decades later.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
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Dressed in a colorful smoking jacket, an accentuating cravat and pencil-thin mustache, his get-up is almost as refined as his compliments, which are so detailed and nimbly assembled that even the politest group of word-spitters would be thoroughly impressed.—
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Donald’s giving voice to what polite society sort of sat on for a while, things that are felt but that no one is articulating.—
Adjective
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If polling is correct, the tiny Die Linke party, on the far left, seems likely to make it.—
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Ferguson’s instincts were correct, for the first hour at least.—
Adjective
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With so many celebrities and A-list attendees on the red carpet, the premiere was packed with designer looks and ornate formal attire.—
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Though anyone seeking pardons or clemency for a nonmilitary criminal offense can submit a formal petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney through the U.S. Department of Justice, the president is under no obligation to abide by this advice.—
Adjective
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That's where the person at the top has to give appropriate direction, and that has not come from the president of the United States at this point.—
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Plus, even if experts with appropriate training and expertise are appointed to the MAHA Commision, Kennedy’s still the one in charge.—
Adjective
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Bowman may want to make a call if the organization feels the current group of veterans doesn’t provide enough satisfactory options for the skill lines.—
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His messages online sound all too typical of the brash and bratty computer techies who seem to think insults are satisfactory entertainment for their followers.—
Adjective
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After her mother’s death, Sevilla-Bazan struggled to get an accurate sense from Bishop or his followers of what exactly happened.—
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Villa’s left-back then tries to find Watkins, but his cross isn’t accurate.—
Adjective
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Devonte Ross, who surpassed 1,000 yards at Troy in 2024, and Kyron Hudson, who had some nice moments at USC but was never one of the top receivers on the team in four seasons.—
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In the Jungfrau Ski Region skiers get the perfect mix of easy and challenging slopes, nice mountain hut restaurants and aprés ski on the downhill runs and in Grindelwald Terminal.—
Adjective
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This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person. Follow me on Twitter.—
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Since then, Trump officials have not answered why the State Department appeared to be taking steps to pursue an acquisition of electric vehicles from Tesla, with the company's stainless steel Cybertruck likely being the most suitable option for an armored vehicle.—
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Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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