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Definitions

proper

[prop-er] / ˈprɒp ər /
ADJECTIVE
suitable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appropriate convenient decent fitting good legitimate useful
WEAK
able applicable apt au fait becoming befitting capable competent desired felicitous fit happy just meet qualified right suited true
Antonyms
STRONGEST
improper inappropriate unfitting unseemly unsuitable unsuited
WEAK
crass crude general incorrect misbehaving objectionable substandard unacceptable unconventional
ADJECTIVE
mannerly, decent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
correct moral polite precise respectable
WEAK
becoming befitting by the book by the numbers comely comme il faut conforming de rigueur decorous demure genteel in line kosher nice priggish prim prissy prudish punctilious puritanical refined right seemly solid square stone straight strait-laced stuffy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bad corrupt dishonest imprecise inaccurate inexact
WEAK
crass crude general improper incorrect misbehaving objectionable substandard unacceptable unconventional unsuitable
ADJECTIVE
conventional, correct
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accurate exact formal precise usual
WEAK
absolute accepted arrant complete consummate customary decorous established free of error on the button on the nose on the right track on-target orthodox out-and-out right unmistaken utter
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless false imprecise inaccurate inexact questionable
WEAK
crass crude general improper incorrect misbehaving objectionable substandard unacceptable unconventional unsuitable
ADJECTIVE
individual, personal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
special specific
WEAK
characteristic distinctive idiosyncratic own particular peculiar private respective
Antonyms
WEAK
crass crude general improper incorrect misbehaving objectionable substandard unacceptable unconventional unsuitable

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.

Dinosaur fans had been speculating about the existence of prehistoric creatures in “The End of Oak Street” for months before the world had any proper confirmation.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

The team initially expected that individuals with the PAM variant would have lower GLP-1 levels, possibly because the hormone would be less stable without proper processing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

All frontier labs have to think about ensuring that proper guardrails are put in place so that agents simply end up doing “exactly what they’ve been told to do,” Hassabis added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Byatt said seeing "well maintained" military roads on the adjacent Otterburn Ranges which had "proper drainage" added to their frustration.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

I promised up and down that I’d buy a proper meal and not wander off too far.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing proper

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31

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Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!