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
Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens, has proposed charging New Yorkers earning above $1 million a flat 2% tax.
—
Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
In other news: Housing: The Trump administration has proposed cutting funding for housing assistance by 44%.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 14 July 2025
The applicant has proposed to build a new walk-in cooler and make significant repairs to the existing fixtures plus make other cosmetic renovations to the interior of the space, officials said.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Michael Good Orlando Third party is not the answer
Recently Elon Musk proposed a new political party as the answer to the downward spiral that our government has taken.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
In other news: Housing: The Trump administration has proposed cutting funding for housing assistance by 44%.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 14 July 2025
The applicant has proposed to build a new walk-in cooler and make significant repairs to the existing fixtures plus make other cosmetic renovations to the interior of the space, officials said.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Michael Good Orlando Third party is not the answer
Recently Elon Musk proposed a new political party as the answer to the downward spiral that our government has taken.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 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 19 Jul. 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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