proposal

noun

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

Synonyms of proposal

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unprecedented proposal, aimed at accelerating investment, faced swift and broad opposition from major confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, transforming it into a near-global rejection. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Council member Nancy Merrill, who supported the project as a private citizen before joining the council and voted in favor of the plan Tuesday, questioned why the proposal was rejected again. — Noah Daly august 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026 Volunteers and staff with the nonprofit foundation removed alligatorweed from the shoals manually but are working on grant proposals to remove more. — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 The inference of the joint venture was clear; if FIFA continued to pursue proposals that Europe and South America did not think were in their interests, then those confederations would work independently to achieve their own objectives. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proposal

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

Rhymes for proposal

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Browse Nearby Words

proportionment
proposal
proposal bond
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Cite this Entry

“Proposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of proposal for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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