proponent
noun
pro·po·nent
prə-ˈpō-nənt 
ˈprō-ˌpō-
: one who argues in favor of something : advocate
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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
Examples of proponent in a Sentence
a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars
Recent Examples on the Web
If former President Donald Trump is elected president, the nation's loudest anti-vaccine proponent could conceivably be in a position to drastically transform U.S. health policy.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Bitcoin’s Alternative to Central Control While central bankers argue that Bitcoin’s appeal is based on speculation, its proponents insist that central banks are missing the point.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The text of the constitutional amendment written by Issue 1 proponents would be added to the state Constitution.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024
Instead, inmates would have the option to spend their time participating in rehabilitation programs, which proponents say would reduce recidivism.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proponent 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Bitcoin’s Alternative to Central Control While central bankers argue that Bitcoin’s appeal is based on speculation, its proponents insist that central banks are missing the point.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The text of the constitutional amendment written by Issue 1 proponents would be added to the state Constitution.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024
Instead, inmates would have the option to spend their time participating in rehabilitation programs, which proponents say would reduce recidivism.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proponent
Dictionary Entries Near proponent
Cite this Entry
“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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