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Showing results for proper.
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.

“It’s hard to argue that brandishing a firearm during a traffic misunderstanding is either allowed by federal law or necessary and proper for fulfilling ICE’s duties,” he said.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

"He was promising the world, proper love-bombing me. And he was buying things as well, trying to get me to fall in love very quickly with him," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

At one time, it was considered an absolute necessity for public officials to observe these rules and take proper action to avoid them.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

“There are no proper economists in government because they are all in the private sector trying to get paid more.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“I do indeed! To woof and bark and howl and scratch, like a proper little Ashton should.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing proper

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!