Word Explorer

Proper

/ˈpɹɔp.ə/

Something set apart for a special use.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Proper"

noun

1
Something set apart for a special use.

adjective

1
(heading) Suitable.
2
(heading) Possessed, related.
3
(heading) Accurate, strictly applied.

adverb

1
Properly; thoroughly; completely.
2
Properly.

🔄 Synonyms of "Proper"

21 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
comelyverb	Attractive; visually pleasing; good-looking.
rightnoun	Complying with justice, correctness, or reason; correct, just, true. See also the interjection senses below.
suitable	Having sufficient or the required properties for a certain purpose or task; appropriate to a certain occasion.
appropriateverb	Suitable or fit; proper; felicitous.
decentnoun	Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances.
decorous	Marked by behaviour, manners, etc., regarded as proper, tasteful, and in accordance with accepted standards; becoming, seemly.
primnoun	Of a person, their manner or appearance: Formal and precise; stiffly decorous.
prissynoun	Prim and fussy; too precise; overparticular.
correctverb	Free from error; true; accurate.
straightlaced	Alternative form of straight-laced. [Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish.]
comme il faut	Proper; in keeping with etiquette or social standards.
prudish	Of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked, especially by sexual matters.
priggish	Like a prig.
seemly	Of behavior, appropriate; suited to the occasion or purpose; becoming.
straitlaced	Alternative spelling of straight-laced. [Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish.]
tight-laced	Synonym of strait-laced.
becomingnoun	pleasingly suitable; fit; congruous; beautiful
square-toed	(dated, derogatory or humorous) stuffy; precise
fittingverb	Appropriate; suitable.
puritanicalnoun	Precise in observance of legal or religious requirements; strict; overscrupulous; rigid (often used by way of reproach or contempt).
victoriannoun	Of or relating to the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, or that period.

↔️ Antonyms of "Proper"

Words with the opposite meaning.

Word	Definition
improperverb	Unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Proper"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
appropriate	Suitable or fit; proper; felicitous.
suitable	Having sufficient or the required properties for a certain purpose or task; appropriate to a certain occasion.
seemly	Of behavior, appropriate; suited to the occasion or purpose; becoming.
decent	Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances.
comme il faut	Proper; in keeping with etiquette or social standards.
decorous	Marked by behaviour, manners, etc., regarded as proper, tasteful, and in accordance with accepted standards; becoming, seemly.
specific	Explicit or definite.
real	True, genuine, not merely nominal or apparent.
fittingnoun	Appropriate; suitable.
becoming	pleasingly suitable; fit; congruous; beautiful
rightnoun	Complying with justice, correctness, or reason; correct, just, true. See also the interjection senses below.
straightlaced	Alternative form of straight-laced. [Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish.]
square-toed	(dated, derogatory or humorous) stuffy; precise
straitlaced	Alternative spelling of straight-laced. [Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish.]
tight-laced	Synonym of strait-laced.
puritanical	Precise in observance of legal or religious requirements; strict; overscrupulous; rigid (often used by way of reproach or contempt).
primnoun	Of a person, their manner or appearance: Formal and precise; stiffly decorous.
prudish	Of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked, especially by sexual matters.
priggish	Like a prig.
comely	Attractive; visually pleasing; good-looking.