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.
The researchers propose that aging may involve long periods of relative stability interrupted by brief, rapid changes.
From Science Daily • 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
Some would ban government employees and elected officials from participating in the markets; others propose prohibiting prediction markets from offering bets tied to war, terrorism, or death.
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
It seemed out of character for Lady Constance to propose anything that Penelope herself would enjoy, and she wondered if it were a trick of some kind.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
