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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Violations included sanitation and physical deficiencies, pest control problems, and food stored at improper temperatures. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2026 The union has been a vocal critic of the improper use of the technology, launching an #AINeedsHumans campaign to mobilize its members and making AI a pillar of its negotiations with Hollywood studios during its 148-day strike in 2023. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 July 2026 The outlet reported that the petition claims Shirilla had ineffective counsel, which resulted in insufficient evidence being presented to establish probable cause and improper admission of evidence at trial. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 He was fired in 2024 over what the company described as an improper disclosure of internal information. — David Faber, CNBC, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for improper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for improper

Adjective

The siblings-in-law addressed comments from Alli McBee suggesting their relationship had been inappropriate.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Students also need to learn when AI use is inappropriate, when a primary source has to be read directly and when a judgment is too consequential to delegate.

— Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Artificial intelligence can worsen this by confidently directing attention, causing users to stop searching prematurely if AI's initial answer is plausible but incorrect.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Incorrect Brew Temperature or Pressure While rather technical, Mynatt notes that using incorrect brew temperatures or pressures can have a significant impact on your espresso and latte.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of incorrect

Adjective

Seneca, the Roman philosopher, argued that people kept getting the message of Homer’s epic poems wrong.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
One person was killed and two others were critically injured when a wrong-way driver crashed into several other vehicles on Friday evening on the Dan Ryan Expressway on the South Side of Chicago.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

West Germany 2-1 Netherlands A tournament that was dominated by security concerns in the early stages, and then slightly ruined later on by a sustained period of rainy weather which left the pitches unfit for quality football.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Within the context of the ongoing debate, the comment suggested the financial tie could make the company unfit to own the parking meter system.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of improper

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