proposition

noun

ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce proposition (audio)
Definition of propositionnext
1
as in hypothesis
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation started the discussion with the simple proposition that no one ever does anything out of pure altruism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proposal
something which is presented for consideration a neighbor with a business proposition to tell us about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of proposition The Tax Court wasn’t convinced that those payments directly related to his business, and Copeland pointed to case precedent standing for the proposition that TV channel and cable subscriptions often aren’t deductible. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026 After testing multiple new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, family SUVs and more, here are my top 10 best new vehicles of 2026 so far based on my driving impressions, rankings and overall value propositions. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Human Intelligence As Spec The Knowing markets itself as 100% human intelligence, which Thomas describes as a business proposition rather than a moral one. — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Before the other professional league, the NFL, becomes a distraction, consider three propositions. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proposition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proposition
  1. hypothesis
  2. proposal
  3. theory
  4. suggestion
  5. thesis
  6. premise
Noun
  • Until then, readers should take these issues as interesting hypotheses and case discussions.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Data from the Forest Service tentatively confirms Finch’s hypothesis, suggesting that kudzu occupies around 227,000 acres of Southern land, just a small fraction of the millions of acres it has been said to cover.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothesis
Noun
  • Both proposals come at a time when security for the president is a top concern.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As legislation is introduced at a record pace, shifting political views are driving more proposals that seek to restrict the tech giants.
    — Chris Hacker, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of proposal
Noun
  • The lipstick index is an economic theory holding that sales of affordable discretionary spending or luxuries skyrocket when consumers believe an economic recession is impending.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Yet Turing’s theory of computation wasn’t really about computers, at least not at first.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • But the suggestion that Tech N9ne was someone audiences needed to remember quickly drew pushback.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Following the Michigan recommendation was a suggestion to check out the beaches in the state of Delaware.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suggestion
Noun
  • The Venture Capital Thesis At IXSAR Capital, our thesis is that intelligent systems are becoming the next major technology platform.
    — John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Yet Cao’s projects are less expository than Farocki’s, less resolute in their theses.
    — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of thesis
Noun
  • Sustained gunfire began past midnight at the premises of the Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts a major military base, according to an AP witness who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There was nothing particularly novel about the show’s premise, but the scripts were refreshingly dense with jokes, prioritizing laughs over contrived drama or seasonlong relationship arcs.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of premise

Browse Nearby Words

proposing
proposition
propositions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proposition. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on proposition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proposition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All