proposal

noun

pro·​pos·​al prə-ˈpō-zəl How to pronounce proposal (audio)
1
: an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
2
a
: something proposed : suggestion
b
: offer
specifically : an offer of marriage

Examples of proposal in a Sentence

Everyone thought the proposal made sense. The committee is reviewing the proposal for the new restaurant. They put forth a proposal to sell the company. These problems have led to the proposal of a new law.
Recent Examples on the Web The proposal envisions that a permanent ceasefire would be agreed upon after that initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as a deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Radina Gigova, CNN, 17 Mar. 2024 The proposal responds to belief among conservatives that elections have seen widespread tainting by ineligible voters casting ballots. Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2024 The last viewers see of Jimmy is when Louise turns down his surprise proposal and abandons him in favor of Thelma. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Internal Meta documents showed that Zuckerberg rejected specific child safety proposals, including the hiring of 45 new staff members dedicated to children’s well-being. Teresa Huizar, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 For the chair of that committee, Rep. Jim Pressel ― the Republican from Rolling Prairie who beat back the proposal year after year previously ― this was a way to close the books on the issue once and for all. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2024 Hamas has issued a new cease-fire proposal amid its war with Israel that includes an exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners, according to a report. Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 Despite all her fears, Roxanne says yes to Antonio’s season-finale proposal. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 Regarding the conversion plans for The James in downtown San Jose, one scenario on file for the proposal envisions the creation of eight studios and a single one-bedroom apartment. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proposal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proposal was circa 1629

Dictionary Entries Near proposal

Cite this Entry

“Proposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

proposal

noun
pro·​pos·​al prə-ˈpō-zəl How to pronounce proposal (audio)
1
: a stating or putting forward something for consideration
2
a
: something proposed : suggestion
b
: an offer of marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on proposal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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