Find Antonyms
appropriate Antonyms
Opposite of appropriate
Because the opposite of appropriate shifts with each meaning, the 14 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Suitable, fitting, or proper for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place.
Usage Example
"Please wear formal attire that is inappropriate for the awards ceremony."
Strongest
inappropriate
unsuitable
improper
unfitting
Strong
unseemly
inapt
irrelevant
• verb (Context 2)
To take something, such as property, ideas, or cultural elements, for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
Usage Example
"The author was accused of trying to relinquish the work of an earlier historian."
Strong
relinquish
surrender
return
restore
forfeit
• verb (Context 3)
To set apart or authorize a specific sum of money or resources for a particular official purpose.
Usage Example
"The legislature voted to withhold additional funds for public school renovations."
Strongest
withhold
Strong
reclaim
Similar words to appropriate
Words similar to appropriate shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
suitable
allocate
fitting
allot
earmark
proper
seize
apt
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Appropriate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/appropriate