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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.

A former employee had contacted the regulator as a whistleblower, the people said, alleging those in the program lacked the proper licenses that work would have required.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Arginine also acts as a safe chemical chaperone, helping proteins maintain their proper structure.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Presumably Justice Thomas has more years left to serve, and more opportunities to restore the Constitution’s proper understanding.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

As a longtime veteran of the office, she also wants to reduce the backload of assessment appeals by fully staffing the assessor’s office and providing proper training to employees.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

We’d have a car and a proper house with a fridge and freezer full of food, and we’d travel abroad to do our shopping.

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

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!