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
In Missouri, there were at least 39 bills proposed that, if passed, could restrict rights that the LGBTQ community is advocating for, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
—
Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
Trump could also, conceivably, sign an executive order to seize SpaceX under the Defense Production Act and even deport Musk for immigration violations, two nuclear options proposed Thursday by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Among the many budget cuts the mayor has proposed, the plan to eliminate all of the city’s beach fire rings has drawn particularly fierce criticism in city budget hearings.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Bass proposed a budget in April that called for laying off about 1,600 civilian city workers, one-fourth of them at the LAPD.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for propose
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Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
Trump could also, conceivably, sign an executive order to seize SpaceX under the Defense Production Act and even deport Musk for immigration violations, two nuclear options proposed Thursday by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
—Josh Meyer, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Among the many budget cuts the mayor has proposed, the plan to eliminate all of the city’s beach fire rings has drawn particularly fierce criticism in city budget hearings.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Bass proposed a budget in April that called for laying off about 1,600 civilian city workers, one-fourth of them at the LAPD.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 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 14 Jun. 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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