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.
Recent Examples on the Web His advisors have proposed limiting California’s power to set fuel emission standards for automobiles. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Ukraine’s new mobilization law, which has been under debate for months as the country faces a severe shortage of battle-ready troops, proposes lowering the country’s draft age to 25. Siobhán O'Grady, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 The committee had sent two surveys to Clay families and staff: one soliciting new name suggestions, then another later one asking people to pick from a list of name options that the committee proposed. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 Instead, Democrats have seized on bills proposing new school regulations. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 17 Mar. 2024 That’s considered to be a necessary first step before any major changes are made to the park including the potential installation of the Breeze of Innovation, a landmark structure proposed by Urban Confluence Silicon Valley. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 In December, Darktrace shareholders rejected a nominee for the board proposed by Invoke. Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 At the state level, Kennedy hopes to continue lobbying for a bill that would require inspections for parking garages like the one proposed by Rep. Darrin Madison last session. Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2024 Dingell proposed his own bills, detailed last summer by The New York Times. Christine Spolar, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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