Definition of impropernext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective improper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of improper are indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When would indecorous be a good substitute for improper?

The synonyms indecorous and improper are sometimes interchangeable, but indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than improper?

The words indelicate and improper can be used in similar contexts, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of improper?

While in some cases nearly identical to improper, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When could unseemly be used to replace improper?

The words unseemly and improper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

Example 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 improper Common problems include over-filing of the nail plate, improper gel removal that leads to peeling or picking, concerns about UV lamp exposure and ongoing dehydration of the nail plate under the polish. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 Grout's biggest challenge is cracking from improper installation or too much moisture. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 His termination followed allegations of harassment and improper conduct. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 That would include an examination of the pool’s pH levels, as well as investigations into whether there were mistakes made in preparing the surface to be coated and whether an improper material was selected, among many other variables. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
  • Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Live streams and other unfiltered media can expose kids to risky or inappropriate content, so adult guidance is key.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The dogs were found to be living in unsuitable conditions, while the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and a number of the dogs had additional medical conditions as well.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • In 2023 the agency documented signs of stress in sloths during public encounters, improper handling of a juvenile kangaroo and environmental conditions deemed unsuitable for a sloth’s care.
    Katie Surma, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Giveaway.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
  • At the same time, The New York Times reported that Google’s AI Overviews produced incorrect answers roughly one in 10 times.
    John Davie, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Critics, and even some supporters, said Soto-Martínez was making his move at the wrong time.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • That could always be wrong, of course, but at least that’s the garage talk heading into the weekend.
    Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • If venue personnel deem any person to be a threat, or otherwise unfit, in their sole discretion, he or she will not be permitted access and shall forfeit the prize.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
  • She was deemed unfit to stand trial on medical grounds.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The decade was an unhappy panorama of inflation, gas shortages, military humiliation, and revelations of political corruption.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • On Tuesday, Paul urged Americans who are unhappy with the justices’ ruling to support his proposal.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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