propriety

noun

prə-ˈprī-ə-tē How to pronounce propriety (audio)
Definition of proprietynext
1
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manner
proprieties plural personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in appropriateness
the quality or state of being especially suitable or fitting I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 propriety The second agreement precludes the Justice Department or any other federal agency from investigating the propriety of that funding. — Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026 All that moonlight over dewy grass and lamplight on Parisian streets create texture for the flawed adults who walk through these scenes, for their misguided sense of propriety. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Labels like Prada, Tom Ford, and Saint Laurent, meanwhile, have pushed the very limits of propriety by showing itsy-bitsy little shorts on their runways, sometimes little more than a wisp of fabric. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 22 May 2026 Kay also challenged the propriety of statements made by the prosecutor during her closing arguments. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for propriety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propriety
  1. etiquette
  2. manner
  3. appropriateness
  4. decorum
  5. validity
  6. decency
  7. applicability
  8. morality
Noun
  • The rapper’s all-black outfit was allowed, but his shades violated court etiquette.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In other words, cruise etiquette isn’t about memorizing a list of dos and don’ts.
    — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of etiquette
Noun
  • The United States should thus push everyone to reinterpret the benefit-sharing provisions in a more generous manner.
    — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That are, again, all spoken at the same time, in a manner that could grate the nerves coming from the hands of any other filmmaker, but Herzog is entirely sincere and irony-free in his handling.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of manner
Noun
  • But if that lens doesn’t include cultural intelligence, cultural appropriateness or a prompt to consider how different types of consumers could receive the campaign, those factors may never be evaluated.
    — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Decisions should be based on educational value, age appropriateness, and professional review while ensuring parents, educators, and community members have a voice in the process.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 July 2026
Definition of appropriateness
Noun
  • These rules are set to maintain decorum, determine the will of the majority, preserve the rights of the minority, and facilitate the orderly transaction of business.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Individual rights and political scientists are raising questions about the Tarrant County Commissioners Court decorum policy that led to the arrest of two people.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorum
Noun
  • Hudak indicated in Friday’s news conference that police are looking into the validity of the document.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And as with the actual Stanford prison experiment, questions of ethics and scientific validity are sidelined in favor of getting splashy results by any means necessary.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of validity
Noun
  • Public decency laws were suspended, allowing for bare knees, bare legs, and risqué (by 1920s standards) one-piece suits.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • However, a modicum of decency four years ago would’ve gone further.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decency
Noun
  • The study focused on young, fit, predominantly male participants, which limits its applicability to older or less conditioned groups.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the reason Belmont endures is its plain language and broad applicability.
    — Stephanie Haridopolos, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
Definition of applicability
Noun
  • Integrity beliefs focus on expectations about honesty and morality.
    — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Despite its reputation, there is a thriving nightlife alongside strict religious codes, a morality police, and security challenges fueled by attacks by jihadi groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality

Browse Nearby Words

proprietorships
propriety
props
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Cite this Entry

“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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