1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manner
proprieties plural
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting
I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 propriety
The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed.
—
Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2024
Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Questions of fairness The law commands respect, and courtesy and propriety are always in order.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025
As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2024
Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Questions of fairness The law commands respect, and courtesy and propriety are always in order.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025
As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
Noun
-
Leighton said that’s exactly the kind of etiquette slight people need to endeavor to avoid.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Southerners are notorious for being bad at saying goodbye, thanks to our dedication to manners.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
25 July 2025
-
Tether, the other juggernaut of the crypto-native stablecoin world, has been diversifying investments and operations in a significant manner.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Traditionally such words haven’t been published or aired in mainstream outlets that sought to uphold what once was seen as a standard of decorum.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
Robert Rodriguez lionizes Richard Linklater Historically one of highest of Texas Medal of Arts highlights came in 2009 when moviemaker Robert Rodriguez accepted his honor with a lively, funny speech that threw out the rules of decorum.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The new interpretation casts legal doubts about the validity of the past three mayors.—
Lauren De Young,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
-
Successive administrations did not fully fund these means to check employment validity.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
Another day, another assault on decency, democracy, and the true American way.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 July 2025
-
In his thorough contempt for every trace of human decency, Hoult rivals the most upsetting versions of the Joker, implacably evil men who tap into prehistoric fears of the predator in the bushes.—
Matt Zoller Seitz,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
This kid is going to have to discover what human morality is and that horror exists in many forms.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
29 July 2025
-
Like the first half of Trauma Plot, and the majority of Sylvia Plath’s short life, the book takes place in New England, where the veneer of white middle-class morality can’t quite mask the ongoing structural violence ushered in by imperial colonialism half a millennia ago.—
Emily Van Duyne
July 24,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
While relevance can spark a moment, only authenticity can sustain a brand.—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
Being outspoken is even better, and with cord-cutting wreaking havoc on TV viewing, traditional TV players that used to develop their talent in house are increasingly turning to outsiders to help give them relevance to an audience that might otherwise bypass their content.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
-
This approach balances fiscal prudence with the need for meaningful oversight.—
Dick Simpson,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share