1
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
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2
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
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3
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
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4
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
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5
as in distinguishing
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of proper
John David’s fiery portrayal of Willie showcases how chasing for opportunity doesn’t always equate to proper manhood and a fruitful legacy.
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Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
All the familiar tunes performed well on the charts, but they were never selected for all the trimmings that typically come with being a proper single.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
With the older headset you’re locked out of proper mixed reality experiences.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
But there’s a problem with fires Oct. 12, 2023
Safety basics
These batteries are generally safe with proper care and storage, said Robert Rezende, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department battalion chief and the region’s first lithium-ion battery safety coordinator.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proper 
Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
All the familiar tunes performed well on the charts, but they were never selected for all the trimmings that typically come with being a proper single.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
With the older headset you’re locked out of proper mixed reality experiences.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
But there’s a problem with fires Oct. 12, 2023
Safety basics
These batteries are generally safe with proper care and storage, said Robert Rezende, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department battalion chief and the region’s first lithium-ion battery safety coordinator.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proper
Adjective
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Wiley, wearing similarly busy patchwork jeans, continues his polite but half-hearted tour.Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
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Just don’t expect anything polite enough to air on Masterpiece.Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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If Lynch is correct, and McCaffrey’s legs are, too, this team will make the playoffs and push for the title.Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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This indicator was also correct about the prior two Trump races.Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The company identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting due to a lack of segregation of duties and formal documentation.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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But if this had been a formal dinner, the coffee would have been served afterwards — and in china, not a witty mug.Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Returning to school as quickly as possible, with appropriate support, and getting light exercise that doesn’t pose a head injury risk are important first steps in concussion recovery, and in line with the latest research.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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But while the 118 is able to save both Celeste and her mother-in-law’s final resting place, a smug Trent trips and drops the vase, an appropriate punchline to a very silly cold open.Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Please note that many of these AI tools offer free plans (which are limited but may be perfectly satisfactory depending on your current needs).Rachel Wells, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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The expert committee offered some explanations such as a systematic difference between those who did and did not participate in the polls, but ultimately felt none of them was completely satisfactory.Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Combining genetics with historical information and archeological evidence allows researchers to paint both a more complete and more accurate picture, and demonstrates how teamwork from different disciplines can unearth rich, complex stories.Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
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This is where the LG G4 really excels, with colors that are just as accurate and much closer to covering the full digital cinema color space.PCMAG, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The panel's high refresh rate is also a nice touch, with a peak 120Hz for gaming and media creation.Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
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His work garnered him a few nicknames, more followers and a nice pay bump.Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
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While targeting the hospitality sector with the new collection, Moses said her wallpaper designs are suitable for restaurants, hospitals, office buildings and other commercial spaces.David Moin, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Proper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proper. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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