proposition

1 of 2

noun

prop·​o·​si·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

a(1)

: something offered for consideration or acceptance : proposal

(2)

: a request for sexual intercourse

b

: the point to be discussed or maintained in argument usually stated in sentence form near the outset

c

: a theorem or problem to be demonstrated or performed

2

a

: an expression in language or signs of something that can be believed, doubted, or denied or is either true or false

b

: the objective meaning of a proposition

3

: something of an indicated kind to be dealt with

the farm was never a paying proposition

propositional

ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

proposition

2 of 2

verb

propositioned; propositioning ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to make a proposal to

especially : to suggest sexual intercourse to

Synonyms of proposition

Noun

• hypothesis
• theory
• thesis
• premise

Examples of proposition in a Sentence

Noun

He made an attractive business proposition.

The other company rejected their proposition.

Her theory rejects the basic proposition that humans evolved from apes.

If we accept proposition “A” as true, then we must accept proposition “B” as false.

The election will be a tough proposition for the mayor.

Verb

He was propositioned by a prostitute.

He got drunk and propositioned a woman sitting next to him in the bar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After testing multiple new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, family SUVs and more, here are my top 10 best new vehicles of 2026 so far based on my driving impressions, rankings and overall value propositions. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

In terms of the competitive landscape surrounding K-beauty and Western brands, Cowman argues that where the latter struggles to compete is the value proposition that the Korean brands are delivering fast. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

In the episode, Bert is immediately propositioned by one of the gorgeous local women, who quickly becomes his girlfriend, stopping to sleep with others upon Bert’s request as they are headed to the altar. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

The indictment accused Nichols of propositioning or having sex with six minor students. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proposition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

proposition

noun

prop·​o·​si·​tion

ˌpräp-ə-ˈzish-ən

1

: something offered to be thought about or accepted : proposal

a business proposition

2

: an expression (as in logic) to be proved or explained

3

: something of a certain kind which one must deal with

the mine will never be a paying proposition

fixing that roof will be a tough proposition