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 Founding Fathers established the Electoral College in the Constitution as a compromise between the proposal of electing a president by a vote in Congress and electing the president by a popular vote. Fernando Cervantes Jr., The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024 But the proposal was about more than just big cat hunting. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024 China reviews plan to raise local government debt A parliament standing committee in China on Monday reviewed a proposal to raise the local government debt limit, according to state media. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 This comes despite Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' proposals to expand Medicare's benefits, which could be a boon to many health care businesses. Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near proposal

Cite this Entry

“Proposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!