PROPERLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

properly

adverb

ˈprä-pər-lē

Definition of properly

as in correctly

in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

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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 properly The story never directly claims that Kusama did not properly oversee her artworks. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Let’s be honest, some of us aren’t even totally sure how to use ours properly. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026 McCoy’s left eye, miraculously undamaged, was properly refitted into its socket. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026 Still, given the national attention given last winter to the air conditioning not working properly in an Angel Stadium weight room, Neto said the evaluation from the Rams’ locker room was glowing. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for properly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for properly

Adverb

Training begins with a small smoke test to make sure the robot, environment, cameras, and control system work together correctly.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
In simpler terms, a part of your paycheck subsidizes a boomer’s benefits—and according to the Cato Institute’s 2025 polling, only 45% of Americans correctly understand how the program works.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of correctly

Adverb

Here's why even more are ahead To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
In a letter to ICE's acting director Thursday, Cortez Masto and 15 of her colleagues in the Democratic caucus questioned ICE's need to spend up to $20 million to buy the devices, as well as the agency's ability to use them appropriately.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of appropriately

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proper

properly

properness

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

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Synonyms of properly

adverb

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