as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of improper
The clerk made improper comments to jurors about watching Murdaugh’s testimony closely, justices said, and the trial judge allowed too much evidence of his financial crimes.
—
Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Two additional Broward School District employees are facing charges resulting from an investigation of improper rentals of school gyms that began last year.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
At issue were allegations that Hill made improper comments to jurors during the trial, conduct the court said created a risk of influencing the verdict.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
The court will also need to address jury‑selection procedures, given the Supreme Court’s finding that the original trial was compromised by improper contact between the clerk of court and jurors.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for improper
Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Two additional Broward School District employees are facing charges resulting from an investigation of improper rentals of school gyms that began last year.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
At issue were allegations that Hill made improper comments to jurors during the trial, conduct the court said created a risk of influencing the verdict.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
The court will also need to address jury‑selection procedures, given the Supreme Court’s finding that the original trial was compromised by improper contact between the clerk of court and jurors.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for improper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper
Adjective
-
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said at a news conference that Hill’s conduct was inappropriate but ultimately harmless.—
Abigail Brooks,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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On April 12, former congressman Swalwell, 45, suspended his campaign for governor of California after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior ranging from sending lewd, unwanted messages to drugging, raping and choking them.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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There are significant worries that AI can readily go off the rails or otherwise dispense unsuitable or even egregiously inappropriate mental health advice.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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The treatments were carried out at Ali’s semi-detached home in Leicester, which was described by investigators and witnesses as unsanitary and unsuitable for clinical care, the news outlet reported.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Vanegas, who has lived at Forest View Mobile Home park for two years, stood at the culmination of a nearly yearlong effort to save the park after Blue Island officials ordered the property owners to evict residents, citing unsafe conditions, incorrect zoning, unpaid water debt and code violations.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Similarly unimpressive, if not technically incorrect, is Sieger’s dish.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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The following seasons saw a wrong turn and regression to the point where many supporters gave up.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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For most people, this is where the cocktail goes wrong.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Still, coaches worked to make the best of unfit practice locations and engage unsettled kids.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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All this while the federal government’s main tool for regulating medical software, the Food and Drug Administration’s device-approval process, is structurally unfit for regulating autonomous clinical AI.—
Alon Bergman,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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With the Mets taking a 2-1 lead, Rodón, clearly unhappy, appeared to curse at himself as Austin Wells patted him on the shoulder.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2026
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Janet reportedly attended an early private screening of the rough cut of the film and walked away pretty unhappy.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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