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Showing results for improper. Search instead for imp-roper/4.
Definitions

improper

[im-prop-er] / ɪmˈprɒp ər /
ADJECTIVE
not suitable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awkward erroneous false ill-advised imprudent inaccurate inadmissible inappropriate incorrect irregular unwarranted wrong
WEAK
abnormal at odds bad form discordant discrepant ill-timed inadvisable inapplicable inapposite inapt incongruous inexpedient infelicitous inharmonious inopportune ludicrous malapropos odd off-base out of place out-of-season preposterous unapt unbefitting uncalled-for uncomely undue unfit unfitting unseasonable unsuitable unsuited untimely
Antonyms
STRONGEST
OK acceptable accurate appropriate correct honest reasonable right suitable true valid wise
WEAK
de rigueur decent fitting formal good moral proper uncorrupt
ADJECTIVE
vulgar, immoral
Synonyms
STRONGEST
indecent unethical unjust unseemly untoward wrong wrongful
WEAK
blue dirty impolite indecorous indelicate lewd malodorous naughty risqué rough salacious suggestive unbecoming unconventional unequitable ungodly unrighteous unrightful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
acceptable appropriate decent ethical fair good honest just moral proper right suitable
WEAK
correct fitting formal uncorrupt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Critics said his appearance was an improper effort to influence the court ahead of a decision that will have major repercussions for his domestic policy agenda.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

A federal judge last week threw out a pair of subpoenas, ruling they were improper and designed to harass the Fed chair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

District Judge James Boasberg said the subpoenas were improper.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

"The Court therefore finds that the subpoenas were issued for an improper purpose and will quash them."

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Many of the stories involved bodiless spirits and warnings against improper burials.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.