IMPROPER Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

improper

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər

Definition of improper next

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing

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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 But all of that can go right out the window with improper storage, turning your treasured cheese into a dried-out or moldy disappointment. —

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026 Investigators determined that the fire was caused by the improper use of a lighter. —

Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 She has also been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine and improper use of the title of physician and receiving payment for a surgical procedure based on that misrepresentation, Hayden's office said. —

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 She has also been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine and improper use of the title of physician and receiving payment for a surgical procedure based on that misrepresentation, Hayden's office shared. —

Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper

Adjective

The dashboard may identify patients who may have started on a new medication that interacts with a DOAC, patients who have had a change in their kidney function or who have been prescribed an inappropriate dose.

— David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Other emails from the latest crop of the Epstein files include other inappropriate comments about Beatrice and Eugenie.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

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impromptus

improper

improperly

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“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of improper

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