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.
Examples of proponent in a Sentence
a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars
Recent Examples on the Web
The bipartisan bill, which former President Biden signed into law in January, repealed two tax rules that proponents say have unfairly reduced benefits for many Americans who also receive government pensions.
—
Aris Folley, The Hill, 18 June 2025
That was the compromise needed to pass the measure, bill proponents said.
—Denise Amos, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
While Napa Cab may be considered by some to be the exact opposite of what proponents of the natural wine movement espouse, Carpenter’s collection of four AVA-designate wines from high elevation vineyards are made in a decidedly low-intervention style.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
After failing to reverse the withdrawal legislatively, proponents are now seeking to reverse it administratively.
—Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
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Aris Folley, The Hill, 18 June 2025
That was the compromise needed to pass the measure, bill proponents said.
—Denise Amos, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
While Napa Cab may be considered by some to be the exact opposite of what proponents of the natural wine movement espouse, Carpenter’s collection of four AVA-designate wines from high elevation vineyards are made in a decidedly low-intervention style.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
After failing to reverse the withdrawal legislatively, proponents are now seeking to reverse it administratively.
—Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
Cite this Entry
“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
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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