IMPROPER Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'improper' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of improper are indecorous , indelicate , unbecoming , and unseemly . While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method. // improper use of campaign contributions

Q: When would 'indecorous' be a good substitute for 'improper'?

The synonyms indecorous and improper are sometimes interchangeable, but indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners. // indecorous behavior

Q: When is 'indelicate' a more appropriate choice than 'improper'?

The words indelicate and improper can be used in similar contexts, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling. // indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Q: In what contexts can 'unbecoming' take the place of 'improper'?

While in some cases nearly identical to improper , unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status. // conduct unbecoming to an officer

Q: When could 'unseemly' be used to replace 'improper'?

The words unseemly and improper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste. // remarried with unseemly haste

improper

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər

Definition of improper next

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective improper differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of improper are indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When would indecorous be a good substitute for improper?

The synonyms indecorous and improper are sometimes interchangeable, but indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When is indelicate a more appropriate choice than improper?

The words indelicate and improper can be used in similar contexts, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of improper?

While in some cases nearly identical to improper, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When could unseemly be used to replace improper?

The words unseemly and improper are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

Examples 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 improper Chlorosis causes leaves to turn yellow while remaining green along the veins and is the result of improper soil pH. When planted in neutral or alkaline soil, camellias cannot take up adequate nutrients. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 If the audit resulted in finding improper charges or misapplied rates, those savings could be redirected into essential public services. —

Eric Steele, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 July 1, 2024 The trial is paused indefinitely as several defence attorneys complain that Judge Ural Glanville held improper private meetings with prosecutors and an uncooperative witness. —

Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2024 The article and the judge’s quote were referenced by the judicial panel in the admonishment as improper. —

Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for improper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper

Adjective

Refuse to let anyone talk you into something inappropriate or expensive.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
With nowhere else to turn, Gregory calls his dad for honest advice, hoping to find one person who agrees that fighting a student’s parent would be inappropriate.

Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024