1
a
: corresponding in size, degree, or intensity
b
: having the same or a constant ratio
corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional
2
: regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions
a proportional system of immigration quotas
a proportional font/typeface [=a font/typeface with characters of various widths]
Synonyms
Examples of proportional in a Sentence
Adjective
The features of the face in the drawing are proportional.
the website's popularity increased exponentially, resulting in a proportional increase in advertising revenue
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Each electron wave has a momentum that is inversely proportional to its wavelength and a kinetic energy proportional to the square of its momentum.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
That’s about 2 percent of the Gaza Strip’s entire population, the proportional equivalent of 6.5 million Americans dying in a war.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional 
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Noun
The bottom line: Arkansas would need to add 20 moms to the legislature to achieve representation proportional with the population of the U.S., the report said.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Each electron wave has a momentum that is inversely proportional to its wavelength and a kinetic energy proportional to the square of its momentum.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Adjective
An additional complicating factor is recent electoral reform, which means the 150 seats in Georgia’s parliament will be awarded under a fully proportional system, with parties needing to surpass a 5% threshold to win seats.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
That’s about 2 percent of the Gaza Strip’s entire population, the proportional equivalent of 6.5 million Americans dying in a war.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proportional
Dictionary Entries Near proportional
Cite this Entry
“Proportional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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