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

as in inappropriate

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

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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

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 improper Inspectors noted improper holding temperatures and storage practices, as well as issues with employee hygiene. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Cut tomatoes and sausages were held at improper holding temperatures. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Plans typically cover items like HVAC, plumbing and kitchen appliances but exclude preexisting conditions or damage from improper maintenance. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 About 10 are being examined for possible improper closure, media reported. — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper

Adjective

Justice Department attorneys have argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president's directive would be implemented.

— Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The morality police, which are often accused of extreme policies, recently announced a statewide ban in Sokoto on the use of DJs at events, as well as inappropriate haircuts, extravagant bridal gifts and playing music on public transport.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

But in Meriwether’s hands, the show became a propulsive exploration of both women’s trauma and the misogynistic criminal justice system that’s unfit to deal with it.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfit

Browse Nearby Words

impromptus

improper

improperly

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“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improper. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of improper

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