Acceptable
Acceptable adjective - Of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards.
Usage example: told the bike rental man that a ten-speed with four broken gears was not acceptable
Proper is a synonym for acceptable. In some cases you can use "Proper" instead an adjective "Acceptable".
Proper
Proper adjective - Following the established traditions of refined society and good taste.
Usage example: the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only
Acceptable is a synonym for proper in right topic. Sometimes you can use "Acceptable" instead an adjective "Proper".
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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Black was traditionally a derogatory phrase when applied to African-Americans, with "Negro" regarded as the more proper and acceptable term.
Source: Insult Backfire -
There is mention of some sort of Tyranid poison, which would be acceptable if it appeared at all in the game proper.
Source: Cutscene Power to the Max -
While no, this isn't the proper uppercase "D" (it's "Д"), this might be the most acceptable deviation on this page.
Source: The Backwards R
Cite this Source
Proper and Acceptable. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/acceptable/proper
Acceptable & Proper. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/acceptable/proper>.
Proper or Acceptable. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/acceptable/proper.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "acceptable" and "proper" have occurred on timeline