as in incorrectly
in a mistaken or inappropriate way
the manufacturer's warranty is no longer valid if the appliance is used improperly
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Recent Examples of improperly
Partisan versus racial gerrymandering In redistricting battles, the Supreme Court has said federal courts can review whether race was improperly used to draw new lines, but not whether partisan politics was a factor.
—
Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Paxton argues the county is improperly giving public money to private nonprofits, with little control over who gets the legal help, and is funding private immigration cases that do not serve a clear public purpose.
—Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026
In a complaint filed in June 2024, the group accused him of improperly retaining copies of the album after the criminal court ordered its full forfeiture.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
One source briefed on the matter told CBS News that prosecutors were trying to ascertain whether Pulte and Martin had improperly deputized Bowes and Strauss to assist on the Schiff investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
According to Shannon Stover, a food safety educator at Michigan State University Extension, improperly stored food in glass containers poses one of the biggest freezer safety risks.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
Chemical spray bottles were improperly hung above the food prep sink.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The company contends the pipe poses no health threat unless improperly handled, such as by cutting it with a power saw or drill.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The group has also accused the city of lacking transparency and improperly rejecting its petition.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Paxton argues the county is improperly giving public money to private nonprofits, with little control over who gets the legal help, and is funding private immigration cases that do not serve a clear public purpose.
—Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026
In a complaint filed in June 2024, the group accused him of improperly retaining copies of the album after the criminal court ordered its full forfeiture.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
One source briefed on the matter told CBS News that prosecutors were trying to ascertain whether Pulte and Martin had improperly deputized Bowes and Strauss to assist on the Schiff investigation.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
According to Shannon Stover, a food safety educator at Michigan State University Extension, improperly stored food in glass containers poses one of the biggest freezer safety risks.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
Chemical spray bottles were improperly hung above the food prep sink.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The company contends the pipe poses no health threat unless improperly handled, such as by cutting it with a power saw or drill.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The group has also accused the city of lacking transparency and improperly rejecting its petition.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improperly
Adverb
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Amid communication snafus, some residents were incorrectly told their lights were back on.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
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Missing a filing deadline, incorrectly valuing an asset or failing to list a creditor could result in your case being dismissed or losing property.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Police initially had said there were six victims at the school but corrected that to five on Wednesday, saying a woman airlifted to the hospital in critical condition was mistakenly counted as being among the dead.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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The caption of the original image mistakenly labeled natural hair as hair extensions.—
Aude Konan,
Scientific American,
11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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The White House initially did not dispute that Trump made the post and defended it, before a White House official told USA TODAY that a staffer had erroneously made the post, which was then taken down.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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After calls for its removal -- including by Republicans -- the White House said a staffer had posted the video erroneously.—
BILL BARROW,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Pizzi went on to say Pembroke Park Town Manager David Lynch acted inappropriately to get a second opinion from a lawyer besides the city attorney on removing Jacobs’ from office.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
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The robotaxi chauffeurs teens around Phoenix and Los Angeles without concerns of a driver becoming distracted or acting inappropriately.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Improperly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improperly. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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