proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt 

ˈprō-ˌpō-

: one who argues in favor of something : advocate

Did you know?

Proponent comes from the same Latin word as propose, so a proponent is someone who proposes something, or at least supports it by speaking and writing in favor of it. Thus, for example, proponents of casinos argue that they create jobs, whereas proponents of a casino ban—that is, casino opponents—argue that they're corrupting and they take money away from people who can't afford it. As a rule, just about anything important that gets proposed also gets opposed.

Synonyms

• advocate
• advocator
• apostle
• backer
• booster
• champion
• espouser
• exponent
• expounder
• friend
• gospeler
• gospeller
• herald
• hierophant
• high priest
• paladin
• promoter
• protagonist
• supporter
• true believer
• tub-thumper
• white knight

Examples of proponent in a Sentence

a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars

Recent Examples on the Web

On Wednesday, Senate Democrats blocked a bill that proponents said would ensure that newborns surviving abortions received medical care and critics said would add legal risks for doctors. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Parts of Trump’s plan have some high-profile proponents: namely JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, the leader of the world’s largest bank. —David Goldman, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025

Crypto proponents have been meeting feverishly with the transition team, according to the Wall Street Journal. —Michael Gecan, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025

Given their opposition to the Biden-era guidelines, AI proponents and companies in Silicon Valley are likely pleased with the move. —Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt 

ˈprō-ˌpō-nənt

: one who argues in favor of something

a proponent of recycling

Legal Definition

proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt 

1

: one who argues in favor of something

2

: one who offers a will for probate