propose

verb

pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz How to pronounce propose (audio)
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

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web There are two very different revivals being proposed in this country right now. Jenna Wortham, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023 In the fifth season, which is currently airing on Netflix, Aaliyah Cosby quit right before being proposed to in the pods. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 27 Sep. 2023 But far-right votes have remained elusive, leading McCarthy to propose ever larger and still evolving spending cuts. Moriah Balingit, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2023 Facing the prospect of a trial neither side wanted, Los Angeles County and the plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking more homeless services have proposed a settlement that appears to meet the demands of a federal judge who twice rejected earlier agreements. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2023 City of La Mesa officials said that in 1975, a former Downtown Business Association proposed hosting Oktoberfest to the city council, requesting street closures on Allison Avenue from Palm Avenue to Fourth Street so the street could be used for its location. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2023 Among Pai’s first acts as agency chief was to propose a rollback of the earlier net neutrality rules. Brian Fung, CNN, 26 Sep. 2023 One key section proposes to define most crypto assets as commodities and put them under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, expanding the oversight of the federal agency. Byleo Schwartz, Fortune Crypto, 25 Sep. 2023 In Congress, Senate Republicans introduced legislation to stop future federal mask mandates, even though the Biden administration hasn't shown any signs of proposing a nationwide mandate. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of propose was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near propose

Cite this Entry

“Propose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propose. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

propose

verb
pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz How to pronounce propose (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on propose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!