proffered; proffering
ˈprä-f(ə-)riŋ 
US law
: to offer to take part in a proffer session
decided that an indictment was unlikely and there was no reason to proffer
1
: offer, suggestion
2
US law
: an offer made to a prosecutor by a person who is a subject of a criminal investigation to provide information in exchange for limited immunity or a plea bargaining agreement
made a proffer in the hope of avoiding prosecution
Did you know?
As rhyming synonyms, proffer and offer are quite the pair, and we can proffer an explanation as to why: both come ultimately from Latin offerre, meaning “to present, tender, proffer, offer.” Offer had been part of the language for hundreds of years before proffer was adopted by way of an Anglo-French intermediary in the 14th century. A more formal word than its plainer relation, proffer often emphasizes courteousness on the part of the one doing the tendering.
Examples of proffer in a Sentence
Verb
He proffered advice on how best to proceed.
proffered his assistance in helping the two sides reach a compromise
Noun
a generous proffer of his baronial estate for the charity gala
Recent Examples on the Web
Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Numerous bids were proffered when CAA dropped the spec on the town, and one of the most intriguing came from Taylor Sheridan and Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey, who were ready to pay $2 million together with a greenlight and a theatrical release, and a blind script deal.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2025
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Abreu filed three separate passport applications in person at a post office in Broward County using the Puerto Rican man’s personal identifying information, the factual proffer said, including his date of birth, place of birth and Social Security number.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proffer
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Verb
Only a collaborative effort—ideally, in the form of a multilateral nuclear energy organization—can offer emerging economies competitive funding packages that rival those proffered by China and Russia.
—Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Numerous bids were proffered when CAA dropped the spec on the town, and one of the most intriguing came from Taylor Sheridan and Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey, who were ready to pay $2 million together with a greenlight and a theatrical release, and a blind script deal.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
In his submission, which was signed under penalty of perjury, Rotta made several false statements, according to a factual proffer filed with his plea agreement.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Abreu filed three separate passport applications in person at a post office in Broward County using the Puerto Rican man’s personal identifying information, the factual proffer said, including his date of birth, place of birth and Social Security number.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proffer
Cite this Entry
“Proffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proffer. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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