prop·o·si·tion
ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən 
1
a(1)
: something offered for consideration or acceptance : proposal
(2)
: a request for sexual intercourse
b
: the point to be discussed or maintained in argument usually stated in sentence form near the outset
c
: a theorem or problem to be demonstrated or performed
2
a
: an expression in language or signs of something that can be believed, doubted, or denied or is either true or false
b
: the objective meaning of a proposition
3
: something of an indicated kind to be dealt with
the farm was never a paying proposition
propositioned; propositioning
ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)niŋ
: to make a proposal to
especially
: to suggest sexual intercourse to
Examples of proposition in a Sentence
Noun
He made an attractive business proposition.
The other company rejected their proposition.
Her theory rejects the basic proposition that humans evolved from apes.
If we accept proposition “A” as true, then we must accept proposition “B” as false.
The election will be a tough proposition for the mayor.
Verb
He was propositioned by a prostitute.
He got drunk and propositioned a woman sitting next to him in the bar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
The proposition would have removed automatic retention elections.
—Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, 4 Aug. 2017
Josh Hawley cited the survey of Instagram users from thirteen to fifteen: thirty-seven per cent reported being exposed to unwanted nudity; twenty-four per cent had been propositioned.
—Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proposition 
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.
Noun
The measure’s main opponents, the state Republican Party and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, did not appear to raise any money to campaign against the proposition.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
The proposition would have removed automatic retention elections.
—Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
After Shkreli propositioned Duca via Twitter direct message, the Teen Vogue columnist responded with this, albeit indelicate, rejection.
—Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, 4 Aug. 2017
Josh Hawley cited the survey of Instagram users from thirteen to fifteen: thirty-seven per cent reported being exposed to unwanted nudity; twenty-four per cent had been propositioned.
—Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proposition
Dictionary Entries Near proposition
Cite this Entry
“Proposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposition. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share