pro·por·tion
prə-ˈpȯr-shən 
2
a
: proper or equal share
each did her proportion of the work
b
: quota, percentage
3
: the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : ratio
4
5
: a statement of equality between two ratios in which the first of the four terms divided by the second equals the third divided by the fourth (as in 4/2=10/5) compare extreme sense 1b, mean sense 1c
proportioned; proportioning
prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ
1
: to adjust (a part or thing) in size relative to other parts or things
2
: to make the parts of harmonious or symmetrical
Synonyms
Examples of proportion in a Sentence
Noun
His ears were drawn out of proportion with his head.
The size of the window seems out of proportion with the height of the wall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
While the 58% result for the most recent financial year is heartening, this has been influenced by a higher proportion of women, non-binary and/or gender diverse people in producer roles (61%).
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Hannah Peart, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024
The big surprise of the week is Nina, who turns out a competent look that is proportioned better than most of her looks this season.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportion 
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Noun
In cities like Toronto, Boston, New York, and Vancouver, buildings can contribute even higher proportions sometimes exceeding 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions.
—Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
While the 58% result for the most recent financial year is heartening, this has been influenced by a higher proportion of women, non-binary and/or gender diverse people in producer roles (61%).
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
Rare, monstrously proportioned and strangely shaped, oarfish have sparked myths and legends for centuries.
—Hannah Peart, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024
The big surprise of the week is Nina, who turns out a competent look that is proportioned better than most of her looks this season.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportion
Dictionary Entries Near proportion
Cite this Entry
“Proportion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proportion
1 of 2 noun
pro·por·tion
p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shən
-ˈpȯr-
1
: the size, number, or amount of one thing or group as compared to the size, number, or amount of another
the proportion of boys to girls in our class is three to one
2
: a balanced or pleasing arrangement
out of proportion
3
: a statement of the equality of two ratios (as ⁴⁄₂ = ¹⁰⁄₅) compare extreme entry 2 sense 2, mean entry 4 sense 2b
4
: a fair or just share
did our proportion of the work
5
: dimension sense 1b
a crisis of large proportions
the proportions of a room
proportion
2 of 2 verb
proportioned; proportioning
-sh(ə-)niŋ
1
: to adjust something to fit with something else
2
: to make the parts of go well with each other
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