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
Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative in Trump’s first term, has proposed a trade regime that would use high external tariffs and lower, frequently adjusted internal tariffs to achieve balanced trade among member countries.
—
Wally Adeyemo, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
In fact, Pritzker proposed a ban on phones in the classroom — not a panacea by any means, but certainly a positive first step in making schools a place where kids can focus on their studies and their interpersonal relationships instead of being glued to a tiny screen.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Johnson proposed the city adopt higher procurement policy standards for organization Charlotte contracts with, which could include an expectation for higher employee wages.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
This new Culver's is proposed for the corner of Mequon Road and Division Road in Germantown at N112 W17300 Mequon Road.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Wally Adeyemo, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
In fact, Pritzker proposed a ban on phones in the classroom — not a panacea by any means, but certainly a positive first step in making schools a place where kids can focus on their studies and their interpersonal relationships instead of being glued to a tiny screen.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Johnson proposed the city adopt higher procurement policy standards for organization Charlotte contracts with, which could include an expectation for higher employee wages.
—Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
This new Culver's is proposed for the corner of Mequon Road and Division Road in Germantown at N112 W17300 Mequon Road.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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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