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

Since the proposal was announced in August, donations supporting the measure have poured in.

From Los Angeles Times

The proposal could also help revive horse culture that runs deep in the tribal communities, Saulque said.

From Los Angeles Times

Competing proposals by Democrats and Republicans were both shot down, failing to meet the 60-vote threshold required.

From BBC

Hamas has said it agrees to the peace plan proposals in part, but has not responded to several key demands - including its disarmament and future role in Gaza.

From BBC

The mismatch has hit California particularly hard, triggering a state audit, legislative proposals and funding initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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