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.
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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 economists estimate the proposal would bring in roughly $30 billion. — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Other proposals would increase the opportunity for inmates to earn good behavior and vocational training, also good ideas. — Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 The push was accompanied by last-minute measures and proposals aimed at voters’ concrete concerns. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 Several groups have filed motions to intervene with the proposal for Cook Inlet. — Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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