propose

verb

pro·pose prə-ˈpōz

proposed; proposing

Synonyms of propose next

intransitive verb

: to form or put forward a plan or intention

man proposes, but God disposes

obsolete : to engage in talk or discussion

: to make an offer of marriage

transitive verb

: to set before the mind (as for discussion, imitation, or action)

propose a plan for settling the dispute

: to set before someone and especially oneself as an aim or intent

proposed to spend the summer in Italy

: to set forth for acceptance or rejection

propose terms for peace

propose a topic for debate

: to recommend to fill a place or vacancy : nominate

propose them for membership

: to offer as a toast

propose the happiness of the couple

proposer noun

Example Sentences

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 My boyfriend is planning to propose to me on a trip in three weeks. —

Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2023 In December, Johnson left his decision to propose to his soon-to-be wife in the hands of the FIFA World Cup games. —

Mary Lebus, The Enquirer, 11 Jan. 2023 Though Harry and William had recently spent time together, the heir never mentioned his intentions to propose to Kate, Harry writes. —

Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2023 What happens when a young doctor accidentally gives the day off to the town's only Santa, the mayor wants to propose to his girlfriend and the go-to lawyer is scrambling to find the perfect Christmas present? —

Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 13 Dec. 2022 Before Prince Harry decided to propose to Meghan Markle in November 2017, the royal heir had tried-and-true long-term relationship collateral to depend upon: a dog. —

Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 8 Dec. 2022 Maybe Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles wasn’t the best choice of location for Jonah Hill’s fumbling You People character Ezra Cohen to ask his girlfriend’s parents for permission to propose to her. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2022 Usman — who'd accepted Kim's proposal a few days before — to offer his own romantic gesture and to propose to Kim himself. —

Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2022 In the new Amazon rom-com Something From Tiffany’s, Sampson stars as Ethan, a guy who’s about to propose to his longtime girlfriend and take the next step in their relationship. —

Vulture, 16 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'propose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.