improperly

adverb

as in incorrectly
in a mistaken or inappropriate way the manufacturer's warranty is no longer valid if the appliance is used improperly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 improperly An investigation found that Boeing had improperly fitted the outsourced fuselage and door plug parts. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In fact, people who receive syringes from a needle exchange are less likely to dispose of them improperly than those who do not use needle exchanges – in part because these programs encourage the return of used needles. — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 The indictment followed a federal investigation initiated after Loretto came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The audit also found the state improperly gave $9 million to Cincinnati's TechSolve, even though the audit said the Cincinnati-area agency had failed its past performance reviews conducted by the state. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Federal prosecutors and the SEC are examining whether Walter’s insurance companies improperly lent money to businesses connected to him without adequately disclosing the relationships. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 Whole pieces of ginger were left to improperly dry on the lined floor outside the back door. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 How much are fines for throwing out needles improperly in NYC? — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Some of those supporters have reported hostile treatment after bringing their message inside WNBA arenas, prompting the league to discipline one team executive and acknowledge that its own security personnel acted improperly in another incident. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improperly
  1. incorrectly
  2. mistakenly
  3. erroneously
  4. inappropriately
Adverb
  • Win a third straight championship and fans, incorrectly, will complain about competitive balance in baseball.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The appeals court also ruled that Venzer, the trial judge, incorrectly allowed the pastor’s testimony.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of incorrectly
Adverb
  • The fatal shooting by police responding to a report of a possible break-in distinguishes Pysher’s death from several other instances in which residents have shot people who mistakenly showed up at their homes.
    — Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • When the group decided to move the party to a house nearby, Pysher walked there alone and mistakenly knocked on the wrong door.
    — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistakenly
Adverb
  • The certification for this device was granted erroneously and has been set aside by the FCC and removed from our public database.
    — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The Internal Revenue Service decided many nonprofit NIL collectives were erroneously given charitable status.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of erroneously
Adverb
  • The app also sends follow-up surveys to make sure someone had a good experience and allows organizers to flag attendees who behave inappropriately.
    — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • During the fishing trip, Caruso took the child fishing alone at a pond and touched him inappropriately, according to the report.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of inappropriately

Browse Nearby Words

improper
improperly
improperness
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Cite this Entry

“Improperly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improperly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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