Formal
Formal adjective - Following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules.
Usage example: a formal contract that was legally binding
Proper is a synonym for formal in customary topic. In some cases you can use "Proper" instead an adjective "Formal", when it comes to topics like stiff, established, official. popular alternative
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
Formal is a synonym for proper in property topic. You can use "Formal" instead an adjective "Proper", if it concerns topics such as customary, right, correct, conventional. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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Some Axis Powers Hetalia fanfics verge into this trope by exaggerating Austria's tendency to speak in very formal and proper language.
Source: Antiquated Linguistics - Played for Laughs in Plume - Vesper describes her aloof, absolutely formal and proper aunt Agatha as her "first archnemesis".
Source: Arch Enemy / Web Comics -
The Downer Beginning's tension stems from a naive, Cheerful Child named Haruka Kotoura who has Telepathy and has no idea since Psychic Powers are not recognized by this setting's science (ergo no formal and proper diagnosis for it).
Source: Manga / Kotoura-san
Cite this Source
Proper and Formal. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/proper
Formal & Proper. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/proper>.
Proper or Formal. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/proper.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "formal" and "proper" have occurred on timeline