proposition

noun

ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce proposition (audio)
Definition of propositionnext
1
as in hypothesis
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation started the discussion with the simple proposition that no one ever does anything out of pure altruism

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proposal
something which is presented for consideration a neighbor with a business proposition to tell us about

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of proposition Two Tarrant County Commissioners Court members are throwing names across party lines over the recent proposition to cut 140 polling sites for the 2026 midterm election. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026 Contact the principal again and ask how the teacher reacted to your proposition. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 California voters will also have their say on 14 statewide propositions this November. — Charlie Borla, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026 The best EVs for 2026 have adequate driving range and strong value propositions. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proposition
  1. hypothesis
  2. proposal
  3. theory
  4. suggestion
  5. thesis
  6. premise
Noun
  • British astronomer Arthur Eddington knew that, under Einstein’s hypothesis, the sun should bend the light of other stars.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Eusebius of Caesarea, who attended the First Council of Nicaea, described the meeting as taking place in a small church — a detail that Şahin said supports his hypothesis.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • Under the proposal, a first violation could carry a $500 fine, while a second violation could result in a $1,000 fine.
    — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Elsewhere, a proposal for League Two to mirror the League One approach to equity injections was voted down.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of proposal
Noun
  • Quanta spoke with Cao about evidence for the programmed theory of aging, what happens at each stage, and why aging mammals are like trees shedding leaves.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • Hotel Moraine's main food and drink offering is sharing great suggestions of where to dine off property (Nookie's and Eddie's at the Silver Sands Motel, and North Fork Table and Inn near Southold were my favorites).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Most recently, Ghana pushed for the situation in South Africa to be included in the agenda of an upcoming African Union meeting, a suggestion which was rejected by the continental body.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The problem was that thesis got derailed by a temporary loss of momentum in AI stocks – and that derailment was magnified by leverage, which magnifies both gains and losses.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The result became Cohen’s thesis and earned him an assistant professorship at New York University at the age of 25.
    — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • According to the ministry, this will include a review of security procedures, particularly measures to prevent weapons and other dangerous items from being brought onto school premises.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But rather than interrogate this evil premise, the movie instead feels quite prudish.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of premise

Browse Nearby Words

proposing
proposition
propositions
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Cite this Entry

“Proposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proposition. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proposition

Nglish: Translation of proposition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proposition

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