proposal

[pruh-poh-zuhl]

noun

1. the act of offering or suggesting something for acceptance, adoption, or performance.

   Synonyms: recommendation

2. a plan or scheme proposed.

   Synonyms: design, suggestion

3. an offer or suggestion of marriage.

proposal

/ prəˈpəʊzəl /

noun

1. the act of proposing

2. something proposed, as a plan

3. an offer, esp of marriage

Other Word Forms

• misproposal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proposal¹

First recorded in 1645–55; propose + -al ²

Synonym Study

Proposal, overture, proposition refer to something in the nature of an offer. A proposal is a plan, a scheme, an offer to be accepted or rejected: to make proposals for peace. An overture is a friendly approach, an opening move (perhaps involving a proposal) tentatively looking toward the settlement of a controversy or else preparing the way for a proposal or the like: to make overtures to an enemy. Proposition, used in mathematics to refer to a formal statement of truth, and often including the proof or demonstration of the statement, has something of this same meaning when used nontechnically (particularly in business). A proposition is a proposal in which the terms are clearly stated and their advantageous nature emphasized: His proposition involved a large discount to the retailer.

Example Sentences

"We have become more efficient in reviewing the government's proposals, funding applications and bills," Lo told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

"We will carefully consider any proposals from professional bodies regarding this," added a spokesman.

Read more on BBC

These proposals show no awareness that while trade adjustment assistance, extended unemployment and our welfare system were no doubt well-intended, they have impeded workers’ transition to new jobs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He said it was significantly less than building new apartments, which could run more than $700,000 a unit, making the proposal “extremely viable and cost effective.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The front-runner, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, has galvanized young voters and unsettled Wall Street with proposals to make New York cheaper.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bid 
• idea 
• motion 
• offer 
• outline 
• overture 
• plan 
• program 
• project 
• proposition 
• recommendation 
• scheme