PROPER Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'proper' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proper are appropriate , apt , felicitous , fitting , fit , happy , meet , and suitable . While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom. // proper acknowledgement

Q: When would 'appropriate' be a good substitute for 'proper'?

Although the words appropriate and proper have much in common, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness. // an appropriate gift

Q: When can 'apt' be used instead of 'proper'?

The meanings of apt and proper largely overlap; however, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination. // apt quotations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'felicitous' instead of 'proper'?

While in some cases nearly identical to proper , felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful. // a felicitous phrase

Q: When is 'fit' a more appropriate choice than 'proper'?

In some situations, the words fit and proper are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action. // fit for battle

Q: When might 'fitting' be a better fit than 'proper'?

The words fitting and proper can be used in similar contexts, but fitting implies harmony of mood or tone. // a fitting end

Q: In what contexts can 'happy' take the place of 'proper'?

The words happy and proper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate. // a happy choice of words

Q: When could 'meet' be used to replace 'proper'?

The synonyms meet and proper are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning. // meet payment

Q: Where would 'suitable' be a reasonable alternative to 'proper'?

While the synonyms suitable and proper are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands. // clothes suitable for camping

proper

adjective

ˈprä-pər

Definition of proper next

as in polite

following the established traditions of refined society and good taste the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in correct

being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation you'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in distinguishing

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective proper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proper are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When would appropriate be a good substitute for proper?

Although the words appropriate and proper have much in common, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can apt be used instead of proper?

The meanings of apt and proper largely overlap; however, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is it sensible to use felicitous instead of proper?

While in some cases nearly identical to proper, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than proper?

In some situations, the words fit and proper are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than proper?

The words fitting and proper can be used in similar contexts, but fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

In what contexts can happy take the place of proper?

The words happy and proper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When could meet be used to replace proper?

The synonyms meet and proper are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

Where would suitable be a reasonable alternative to proper?

While the synonyms suitable and proper are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of proper Jokes aside, wearing the proper footwear on your trek is crucial, so take advantage of the incredible hiking boot sales going on during Amazon's after-Christmas savings event. —

Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2024 Prosecutors said Gutierrez repeatedly failed to maintain proper firearm safety, arguing her negligence led to Hutchins’ death. —

Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 26 Dec. 2024 But 30% of those surveyed said eating from the curved end first is the proper way to consume a candy cane, said the National Confectioners Association (NCA), headquartered in Washington, D.C. —

Peter Burke, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024 Not long after Friday Night Lights dropped, the rapper finally moved from mixtapes to proper albums, and he’s been a chart-topper ever since. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper

Adjective

Help your child find a way to be polite while still being honest.

Sarah Vanbuskirk, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
Onkyo’s new presence aims for a tone that’s serious, professional, confident and polite, in true Japanese style.

Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024