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 sculptor, Thomas Crawford, was based in Rome and proposed a woman wearing a liberty cap.
—
Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Local educator Mohammed Jaber — who first proposed adding Arabic language instruction to the district’s curriculum in 2023 — stepped down from the school board in late March, citing frustration with district resistance and delays to the proposal.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
The framework proposes allotting $20 million of it to the Rays.
—Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing to spend $300 million for student safety measures in next year’s budget, a $10 million increase from last year, but the funding can only be used for public schools.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for propose
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Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Local educator Mohammed Jaber — who first proposed adding Arabic language instruction to the district’s curriculum in 2023 — stepped down from the school board in late March, citing frustration with district resistance and delays to the proposal.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
The framework proposes allotting $20 million of it to the Rays.
—Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing to spend $300 million for student safety measures in next year’s budget, a $10 million increase from last year, but the funding can only be used for public schools.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for propose
Cite this Entry
“Propose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propose. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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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