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
Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 9 June 2025
What differentiates companies that proffer claims about sustainability and those that leverage sustainability to deliver on business goals?
—Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for proffer
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Verb
As for accessories, nothing bested the brimming glass of white wine, which Charli proffered like your sloppiest aunt giving a wedding toast.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 9 June 2025
What differentiates companies that proffer claims about sustainability and those that leverage sustainability to deliver on business goals?
—Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
In general, a proffer agreement is one in which prosecutors agree not to prosecute someone in exchange for their testimony.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for proffer
Cite this Entry
“Proffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proffer. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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