PROPRIETY Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

propriety

noun

prə-ˈprī-ə-tē

Definition of propriety

as in etiquette

socially acceptable behavior some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Noun

Hikers have been up in arms over Wales’ 1,085m summit for years, with mixed views over the etiquette of accessing Snowdonia’s best views.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026
The close quarters on planes and variable public views on appropriate flight etiquette are a recipe for tension.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of etiquette

Noun

And despite her background, the Norwegian people found much to like about this statuesque blond woman with striking eyes and a ready smile, a down-to-earth manner and an undisguised love for Haakon.

— Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of manner

Noun

Many times issues exist with respect to medical necessity, treatment appropriateness and reimbursement defensibility.

— Bruce Roffe, Forbes.com, 12 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

However, a modicum of decency four years ago would’ve gone further.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
And the solution is simply to replace the corrupt, racist authoritarian with a governing party that respects the rule of law, equality, and basic decency.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of decency

Browse Nearby Words

proprietorships

propriety

props

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Style

“Propriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propriety. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of propriety

noun

Example Sentences

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