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
Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
Sorry to disappoint but the odds just don’t seem to favor AI proffering the ultimate purpose of humankind’s existence.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Jay Weaver
july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Strother was arrested in Rosemont a few hours after the stabbing with a bloody knife, according to the proffer.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proffer
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Verb
The Biden administration proffered an ambitious US target before leaving office, a cut of 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
Sorry to disappoint but the odds just don’t seem to favor AI proffering the ultimate purpose of humankind’s existence.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 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
july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Strother was arrested in Rosemont a few hours after the stabbing with a bloody knife, according to the proffer.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 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 Aug. 2025.
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