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
According to San Diego’s Acting Chief Innovation Officer Alexander Hempton, Mayor Gloria is urging his team to use this moment of financial strain as an opportunity to propose new ideas and work in new ways without sacrificing effectiveness.
—
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
In December 2024, Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, introduced an amendment to the successful Social Security Fairness Act to raise the full retirement age all the way to 70, proposing three-month annual increases until reaching that threshold, but it was not adopted.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers are proposing roughly the same amount for the coming fiscal year, which starts October 1.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, for example, the department sent Congress proposed legislation that would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming care to children.
—Michael Copley, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
In December 2024, Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, introduced an amendment to the successful Social Security Fairness Act to raise the full retirement age all the way to 70, proposing three-month annual increases until reaching that threshold, but it was not adopted.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers are proposing roughly the same amount for the coming fiscal year, which starts October 1.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, for example, the department sent Congress proposed legislation that would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming care to children.
—Michael Copley, NPR, 19 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share