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Definitions

propriety

[pruh-prahy-i-tee] / prəˈpraɪ ɪ ti /
NOUN
suitableness, appropriateness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
correctness decorum legitimacy morality rectitude respectability suitability
STRONG
accordance advisability agreeableness appositeness aptness becomingness compatibility concord congruity consonance convenience correspondence expedience fitness harmony justice order pleasantness properness rightness seemliness
WEAK
ethicality meetness recommendability
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dishonesty
STRONG
disagreement discord incompatibility lawlessness unsuitability
WEAK
bad manners immorality impropriety inappropriateness misbehavior misconduct unsuitableness wrong
NOUN
good manners
Synonyms
STRONGEST
correctness decency decorum dignity modesty rectitude respectability
STRONG
amenities breeding civilities courtesy delicacy etiquette mores niceties politeness politesse protocol punctilio refinement seemliness
WEAK
accepted conduct good behavior good form rules of conduct social conventions social grace the done thing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impropriety indecency
STRONG
bad manners crudeness impoliteness rudeness
WEAK
immorality inappropriateness misbehavior misconduct unsuitableness wrong

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.

For the sake of propriety — Paley was one of the 20th century’s most powerful media paschas — his indiscretions were kept quiet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

The other side of the detective’s profile has him strolling between the starched propriety of upper-class society and the sooty underbelly, doing rich men’s dirty work.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

But celebrities have always pushed the boundaries of fashion, stretching norms of social decency in ways that expand our notions of propriety.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2024

They were omnivorous and unconcerned with propriety — or the appearance of restraint.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Still concerned about propriety, I insisted we keep our blooming relationship out of sight of our colleagues, though it hardly worked.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing propriety

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Esperanza Rising

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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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