propose

verb

pro·pose | \ prə-ˈpōz

proposed; proposing

Definition of propose

intransitive verb

1 : to form or put forward a plan or intention man proposes, but God disposes

2 obsolete : to engage in talk or discussion

3 : to make an offer of marriage

transitive verb

1a : to set before the mind (as for discussion, imitation, or action) propose a plan for settling the dispute

b : to set before someone and especially oneself as an aim or intent proposed to spend the summer in Italy

2a : to set forth for acceptance or rejection propose terms for peace propose a topic for debate

b : to recommend to fill a place or vacancy : nominate propose them for membership

c : to offer as a toast propose the happiness of the couple

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Examples of propose in a Sentence

The scientists proposed a new theory. The mayor proposed a plan for a new bridge. Several senators have proposed raising the tax. I propose that we revise the bylaws. They propose to buy a new house. How do you propose solving this problem? The chairman proposed the young executive as a candidate for promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perry revealed last month that Bloom proposed in a luxe helicopter ride followed by a party with their friends and family. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Katy Perry Called Fiancé Orlando Bloom Her 'Boyfriend'—and People Can't Stop Laughing," 19 Mar. 2019 Despite their efforts, concerns mounted that an engine of the F-1’s proposed size simply couldn't work. — Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, "The Saturn V Story: From Nazi Roots to America's Moon Rocket," 6 Feb. 2019 Coincidentally, Trevor, 41, got engaged to Tracey, 32, just weeks after Meghan’s royal wedding to Prince Harry, having proposed on June 1 after a year of the pair dating. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle's Ex-Husband, Trevor Engelson, Just Married An Heiress Worth $200 Million," 10 Oct. 2018 In an age when rising seas pose a threat to coastal cities across the globe—including Africa, Southeast Asia, and northern Europe—BIG proposes an almost ironic solution: a city on the sea. — Samantha Swenson, ELLE Decor, "Is Oceanix City by Bjarke Ingels the Real-Life Lost Continent of Atlantis?," 12 Apr. 2019 Related pitches have been made by lawmakers including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who proposed a bill in the fall that would jail executives who mishandle consumer data. — Colin Lecher, The Verge, "Democratic senators have introduced a big new data privacy plan," 12 Dec. 2018 In June of that year, the story goes, Bill Gates’ behemoth allegedly proposed a deal, one that essentially would split up the web-browsing market between Netscape and Microsoft. — Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, "Later, Navigator: How Netscape Won and Then Lost the World Wide Web," 4 Apr. 2019 Men now propose in the middle of marathons, people plan vacations to celebrate small milestones, and prom season has turned into a quasi-competitive sport for adolescents. — Marris Adikwu, Glamour, ""Will You Be My...Godparent?" How a Religious Rite of Passage Swept Social Media," 2 Apr. 2019 The duo followed up with a photos of A-Rod proposing on the beach, with J.Lo in total shock. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jennifer Lopez Steps Out with Alex Rodriguez and Her Blinding Engagement Ring," 13 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'propose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.