propose
Americanverb (used with object)
-
proposes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
proposed,
past participle, past
-
proposing
present participle
-
to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action.
to propose a new method.
- Antonyms:
- withdraw
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to offer (a toast).
-
to suggest.
He proposed that a messenger be sent.
-
to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.
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to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.
-
to present to the mind or attention; state.
-
to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).
verb (used without object)
-
proposes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
proposed,
past participle, past
-
proposing
present participle
-
to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
-
to form or consider a purpose or design.
verb
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(when tr, may take a clause as object) to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
-
(tr) to nominate, as for a position
-
(tr) to plan or intend (to do something)
I propose to leave town now
-
(tr) to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
-
to make an offer of marriage (to someone)
Synonym Usage
See intend.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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proposernoun
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misproposeverb
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reproposeverb
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proposableadjective
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unproposableadjective
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unproposingadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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proposesimple
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proposessimple
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have proposedperfect
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has proposedperfect
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am proposingprogressive
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are proposingprogressive
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is proposingprogressive
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have been proposingperfect progressive
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has been proposingperfect progressive
Past
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proposedsimple
-
had proposedperfect
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was proposingprogressive
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were proposingprogressive
-
had been proposingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of propose
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( see pro- 1, pose 1), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus
Explanation
The verb propose means "to suggest a plan," like the most well-known thing to propose: marriage. If you propose to your girlfriend, you propose getting married, and you probably give her a ring, too. The word propose comes from the Old French root words pro, meaning "forth" and poser, meaning "put, place." Using propose to refer to an offer of marriage was first recorded in the 1700s but the verb also has other meanings. It can mean to present for consideration or criticism, like proposing a four-day school week or "to nominate someone for an elected office or official post."
Vocabulary lists containing propose
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"In the paradigm we propose, portable ultrasound devices usable by any healthcare professional will become the standard tool for atherosclerosis screening from the early stages of adult life," Dr. Ibáñez said.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026
Applicants could propose a single project alternative for review, rather than requiring agencies to develop and evaluate several.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
The 16-person seminar uses Harvard as a case study and requires students to propose a vision for institutional reform for their final project.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
He will also call for a global pause on superintelligent AI and propose a new International AI Safety Agency.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
If, therefore, by accident I propose something which is not contemptible, you have every right to claim it for yourself.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
DeMaio questioned whether Weber understood what Proposition 39 proposes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
The application proposes that attracting termites toward treated areas could potentially allow technicians to space treatment holes farther apart while reducing labor and possibly the amount of insecticide needed.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
If the auditor is not happy with what a company proposes, the commission can ask for "corrective measures".
From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026
After a prime minister resigns, the Speaker of the Riksdag holds talks with all parties to proposes a candidate for the next leader, which is then voted on by MPs.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Friday’s is at the upper end of places he proposes.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Nine companies have objected to having their shares trade on OKXICE’s proposed platform, highlighting resistance to a new model of stock trading.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
However, he accused Russia of ignoring the proposed deal within hours of it being announced.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
A commerce ministry spokesperson said Friday in a statement that the proposed measures aim to ensure that AI technology is safe and controllable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
“That money was proposed by Mayor Bass and voted and approved by Councilmember Nithya Raman,” said Turner, who runs Million Dollar Hoods, which seeks to map the impact of mass incarceration.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Barnes and Bloor proposed what they called ‘the strong programme’.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
UniCredit is notably proposing to make cuts in Commerzbank’s international network, deemed too complex and inefficient, and to refocus the bank on its activities in Germany.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
Mikula filed a citizen petition in August 2025 proposing the change and it will appear on ballots statewide this November.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026
Mr. El-Sayed’s fig leaf seems to be proposing to delete that provision.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
"I'm proposing a crackdown on fair dodgers at the Tube barriers by introducing British Transport Police, as well as training up Transport for London staff to stop people breaking through the barriers."
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
Fear of hope, because the instant she understood what he was proposing, Sarai wanted so badly for it to work, and when did she ever get what she wanted?
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
