propose

verb

pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz 

proposed; proposing

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

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

Synonyms of propose

• suggest
• pose

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

Where The Application Fell Short bunq, a Dutch neobank that passed 20 million users across Europe last September, proposed a New York bank offering deposit accounts and unsecured credit cards through a subscription model. — Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

NuCube Energy and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) have begun a research and development project to validate the heat-pipe technology at the heart of NuCube’s proposed advanced microreactor. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

For many of its leading figures, from the Impressionists in the 1870s to conceptual artists a century later, this also meant proposing new and better solutions to the problem of how to be and how to live together. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Pause long enough to sort the new priority, then propose a practical two-step plan. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French purposer, proposer, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) — more at propound

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing propose

• propose a toast
• propose marriage

Rhymes for propose

• aloes
• arose
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

Kids 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