proponent
noun
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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
Edward Abrahams and Christopher J. Wells, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024
Despite few buyers, California may pay $300M for fuel stations
Hydrogen’s proponents aren’t throwing in the towel.
—Bloomberg, Orange County Register, 4 Apr. 2024
Some proponents of decriminalization say those who engage in the work of their own volition are being put further in harm’s way by efforts to curb trafficking.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Twenty-five states have statewide bans on their participation, with proponents arguing that trans women have a biological advantage over other participants.
—Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
Netanyahu was the originator of this assumption, and its biggest proponent.
—Anshel Pfeffer, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2024
Those who are proponents of DEI cannot be deterred by the detractors.
—Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Williamson has materialized as the candidate who will more aggressively pursue a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war as a longstanding proponent of peace between Israel and Palestinians and considered by many Palestinian supporters to be a stronger voice than Biden on the subject.
—Isabella Murray, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2024
Nearly all of the manufacturers and retailers sued by Gary already have moved to dismiss the case, given the new legislation, leaving the suit’s proponents struggling to determine a way forward.
—Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proponent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere
1588, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near proponent
Cite this Entry
“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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proponent
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proponent
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More from Merriam-Webster on proponent
Nglish: Translation of proponent for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of proponent for Arabic Speakers
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