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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.

Workers said the company has failed to provide protection from violent customers and doesn’t provide proper access to paid sick leave.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

In December 2024, South Korea's financial regulator launched an investigation into allegations that Bang entered into profit-sharing agreements with private equity funds ahead of Hybe's market debut, without proper public disclosure.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

After 843 impossible days, the final deceased hostage was returned to his family for proper burial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“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

My thoughts flew into turmoil, my instinctive fear of the master taking hold, but as the boat came closer, I saw that it was no canoe but a proper motorboat.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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

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