proposal

noun

pro·​pos·​al prə-ˈpō-zəl How to pronounce proposal (audio)
1
: an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
2
a
: something proposed : suggestion
b
: offer
specifically : an offer of marriage

Examples of proposal in a Sentence

Everyone thought the proposal made sense. The committee is reviewing the proposal for the new restaurant. They put forth a proposal to sell the company. These problems have led to the proposal of a new law.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The next one is set to take place in August 2025 and proposals include restrictions and bans on the production of single-use plastics, cutting it off at the source. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 19 June 2025 Though the advocate general’s proposal is non-binding, judges tend to follow four out of five such non-binding opinions. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 19 June 2025 A little more than 50% of Democrats support work requirements for adults on Medicaid, while 66% of independents and 88% of Republicans support the proposal. Riley Beggin, USA Today, 18 June 2025 Fierce and United Backlash Benji Backer, founder of the nonprofit Nature Is Nonpartisan and a leading conservative environmentalist, accused Lee of lying and condemned him for trying to jam the proposal into the Senate reconciliation bill. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for proposal

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proposal was circa 1629

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

proposal

noun
pro·​pos·​al prə-ˈpō-zəl How to pronounce proposal (audio)
1
: a stating or putting forward something for consideration
2
a
: something proposed : suggestion
b
: an offer of marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on proposal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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