proposed; proposing
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
1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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
proposer
noun
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
National Grid is proposing a nearly 10% rate hike for its gas customers in Massachusetts, starting in 2027.
—
Neal Riley, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
To get proposed to, Emily wears a red lace bodysuit that honestly looks more like something Mindy would put on.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Evers proposed IRPs in his 2025-27 state budget, but Republican lawmakers removed that provision.
—Tom Kertscher, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
The model is then refined over time by testing it with prompts that ask the model to answer questions or propose solutions to problems — like asking an AI agent to track expenses, project growth and create a new budget for a business unit within a company, for example.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
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Neal Riley, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
To get proposed to, Emily wears a red lace bodysuit that honestly looks more like something Mindy would put on.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Evers proposed IRPs in his 2025-27 state budget, but Republican lawmakers removed that provision.
—Tom Kertscher, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
The model is then refined over time by testing it with prompts that ask the model to answer questions or propose solutions to problems — like asking an AI agent to track expenses, project growth and create a new budget for a business unit within a company, for example.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
Cite this Entry
“Propose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propose. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
propose
verb
pro·pose
prə-ˈpōz 
proposed; proposing
1
: to make a suggestion to be thought over and talked about : suggest
propose a new theory
2
: to make plans : intend
propose to buy a new house
3
: to suggest for filling a place or office
propose someone for membership
4
: to make an offer of marriage
proposer
noun
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