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 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 But opponents have panned the proposal as moving the state backward by further encouraging our reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels. Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Cava’s office did not respond to interview requests from Fortune regarding the bond proposal. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Late last month, the proposal to raze 185 historic units was shared in a meeting at Fort Leavenworth with Tami Bartunek, the Kansas City district director for the office of Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Ultimately, the zoning commission followed suit, unanimously recommending the council deny the rezoning proposal. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 The Assembly overwhelmingly approved the proposal in January, and the Senate adopted it on Wednesday. Barbara Surk, Fortune Europe, 4 Mar. 2024 In the days before the proposal, Dorsett wasn’t too worried about how Ray would answer. Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024 In a statement to USA TODAY, the New Civil Liberties Alliance, which represents organizations that have challenged Biden’s student loan proposals in the past, questioned the viability of the Education Department's latest proposal. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 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 18 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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