propose
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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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.
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to present to the mind or attention; state.
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to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).
verb (used without object)
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to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
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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
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(tr) to nominate, as for a position
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(tr) to plan or intend (to do something)
I propose to leave town now
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(tr) to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
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to make an offer of marriage (to someone)
Related Words
See intend.
Other Word Forms
- mispropose verb
- proposable adjective
- proposer noun
- repropose verb
- unproposable adjective
- unproposing adjective
Etymology
Origin of propose
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( pro- 1, pose 1 ), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus
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.
They propose that when the polish interacts with a touchscreen's electric field, these protons move between molecules.
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026
Earlier this week, it said it intended to propose Fabrizio Palermo, the boss of Italian water operator Acea, as its new CEO.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
In 2024 it announced that its next notes, due from 2027, would not feature a portrait of King Charles, instead opening the door to local artists to propose fresh designs.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
Tell him that you are both in this together and you are both on the hook; propose setting up transaction alerts or daily limits on his other accounts.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
As to the subject, I propose a simple one, easily solved within ten years.
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
