properly

adverb

ˈprä-pər-lē How to pronounce properly (audio)
Definition of properlynext
as in correctly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 properly How to apply it properly Start with a cream or lotion 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and work it into the skin like a massage so no spot is missed. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 In an interview with Vogue about her new partnership with Prada Beauty, the actress, 29, said that hairstylists used to not know how to properly care for her hair during her days as an actress. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 But baths need to be properly maintained to reduce the risk of disease spread and algae issues. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 Treating water properly with disinfectant helps prevent illness. — Amanda MacMillan, Health, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for properly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for properly
  1. correctly
  2. appropriately
Adverb
  • This includes a way to make sure hardware and software are functioning correctly, and also change management for software development.
    — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
  • For example, a dividend must be calculated, withheld correctly and paid to the shareholder.
    — Mike Cahill, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of correctly
Adverb
  • After all, there’s a fine line between being appropriately informative and the dreaded overshare.
    — Christian Dashiell Published, Parents, 26 July 2026
  • Without robust harness engineering, an AI's ability to detect and appropriately respond to users in distress can be severely compromised.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

proper
properly
properness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/properly. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on properly

Nglish: Translation of properly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of spindrift

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All