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
The introduction of House bills that suggest shades of Turkmenistan: proposing to make Trump’s birthday a federal holiday, or to carve his face on Mount Rushmore, or to put his image on a new two-hundred-and-fifty-dollar bill.
—
Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
Then, on Friday, Mr. Trump proposed eliminating the agency altogether, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities and others, in the next fiscal year.
—Michael Paulson, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Sponsoring groups can propose only one petition at a time.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025
On the same day that the Trump administration is proposing billions of dollars in cuts to renewable energy, environmental and climate programs, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a significant reorganization of his agency.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
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Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
Then, on Friday, Mr. Trump proposed eliminating the agency altogether, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities and others, in the next fiscal year.
—Michael Paulson, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Sponsoring groups can propose only one petition at a time.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025
On the same day that the Trump administration is proposing billions of dollars in cuts to renewable energy, environmental and climate programs, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a significant reorganization of his agency.
—Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 2 May 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 11 May. 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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