proposition

1 of 2

noun

prop·​o·​si·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

a(1)

: something offered for consideration or acceptance : proposal

(2)

: a request for sexual intercourse

b

: the point to be discussed or maintained in argument usually stated in sentence form near the outset

c

: a theorem or problem to be demonstrated or performed

2

a

: an expression in language or signs of something that can be believed, doubted, or denied or is either true or false

b

: the objective meaning of a proposition

3

: something of an indicated kind to be dealt with

the farm was never a paying proposition

propositional

ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

proposition

2 of 2

verb

propositioned; propositioning ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to make a proposal to

especially : to suggest sexual intercourse to

Synonyms of proposition

Noun

• hypothesis
• theory
• thesis
• premise

Examples of proposition in a Sentence

Noun

He made an attractive business proposition.

The other company rejected their proposition.

Her theory rejects the basic proposition that humans evolved from apes.

If we accept proposition “A” as true, then we must accept proposition “B” as false.

The election will be a tough proposition for the mayor.

Verb

He was propositioned by a prostitute.

He got drunk and propositioned a woman sitting next to him in the bar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For Guzema, the investment in brick-and-mortar is intended to make its craftsmanship, service and emotional proposition more legible in an exceptionally crowded market. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Restricted free agency doesn’t appear to be the most thrilling proposition at the outset, Walker Kessler admitted on Monday morning in Las Vegas. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 13 July 2026

Verb

Nico offers cocaine to calm her nerves and crudely propositions her, at which point Cassie raises the alarm and blows Miles’ cover. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026

The indictment accused Nichols of propositioning or having sex with six minor students. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proposition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

proposition

noun

prop·​o·​si·​tion

ˌpräp-ə-ˈzish-ən

1

: something offered to be thought about or accepted : proposal

a business proposition

2

: an expression (as in logic) to be proved or explained

3

: something of a certain kind which one must deal with

the mine will never be a paying proposition

fixing that roof will be a tough proposition