Synonyms for

Proper

Verb / ˈprɑ:pɜ: / Another word for proper — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

correct or suitable for a particular purpose or situation

Synonyms & similar words

right improper appropriate suitable fitting correct right adequate acceptable satisfactory applicable relevant pertinent material germane connected related accurate precise exact specific particular

Synonyms by register

Formal

appropriate suitable fitting apt

Informal

right okay decent alright

Literary

due meet apt

Antonyms

improper inappropriate wrong unsuitable incorrect unseemly unfitting

Common collocations

  • proper noun
  • proper behavior
  • proper way
  • proper etiquette
  • proper care
  • proper place
  • proper noun
  • proper noun

Word family

noun propriety
adjective proper
adverb properly

Usage note

Often used to mean 'correct' or 'appropriate' in a conventional sense. Can also mean 'genuine' or 'thorough'.

Example sentences

  1. Please use the proper spoon for the soup.
  2. It's not proper to talk with your mouth full.
  3. I need to wear proper clothes for the interview.
  4. The proper way to eat sushi is to use chopsticks.
  5. The teacher explained the proper way to use a ruler.

Quotes

  • "The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time." - Jack London
  • "The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to." - P.J. O'Rourke
  • "The proper route to an understanding of the world is an examination of our errors about it." - Errol Morris

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words