proprieties

noun

plural of propriety
as in etiquette
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

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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 proprieties Faulkner said the Apartment Association will also help arrange community gatherings with first responders at participating proprieties. — Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026 At this point, the proprieties of writing op eds call upon us to offer citations to this effect. — Oded J K Faran, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proprieties
  1. etiquette
  2. manner
Noun
  • The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Whitmore said tipping etiquette also depends on the type of service being provided.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of etiquette
Noun
  • Previously, third-tier sides could spend 60 per cent of relevant turnover, alongside varying proportions of equity injected by owners, with the latter included in SCMP calculations in a staggered manner.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The total airfare would still have to be listed in some manner under the new rules.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of manner

Browse Nearby Words

proprietary
proprieties
proprietor
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Cite this Entry

“Proprieties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proprieties. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proprieties

Nglish: Translation of proprieties for Spanish Speakers

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