The phrase "puts forward" implies the act of presenting an idea, suggestion or proposal. Some alternate synonyms to this phrase include "proposes," "suggests," "introduces," "advocates," "states," "presents," "offers," "submits," "asserts," "expresses," "puts forth," and "lays out." These words have varying degrees of formality and intensity. For instance, "proposes" and "suggests" may be more tentative and indirect, whereas "asserts" and "advocates" may be more confident and decisive. Choosing the right synonym to "puts forward" depends on the context, the audience, and the desired impact of the message.