exponent

noun

ex·​po·​nent ik-ˈspō-nənt  ˈek-ˌspō- 

1

: a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to indicate the operation of raising to a power

2

a

: one that expounds or interprets

b

: one that champions, practices, or exemplifies

Did you know?

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that exponent and proponent have a lot in common. While the two share visual similarities and closely related definitions, they also have a common ancestor: the Latin ponere, meaning “to put.” Exponent comes from exponere, meaning “to explain, expound, or set forth,” while proponent comes from proponere, meaning “to expose to view, bring to one’s attention, propose.” Today, proponent usually refers to someone who argues in favor of something. Exponent can also refer to someone who is an advocate, but it tends to refer especially to someone who stands out as a shining representative of something. In addition, it has kept its earlier meaning of “one who expounds,” as well as its mathematical symbol meaning.

Synonyms of exponent

• proponent
• advocate
• supporter
• advocator

Examples of exponent in a Sentence

She has become one of America's foremost exponents of the romantic style in interior design.

The exponent 3 in 10³ indicates 10 x 10 x 10.

Recent Examples on the Web

This movement, known as critical legal studies, was associated with the political left, and its exponents, known as crits, loved to disparage liberal theorists’ devotion to the Constitution as naïve and counterproductive. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Torresani becomes the latest exponent of a recruiting shift for Dutcher and his staff, from almost exclusively Southern California high school prospects to bounce-back transfers to a more national focus to now casting their net overseas. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026

Of course, Huang wasn’t talking to just anyone, but one of the chief exponents of the wealth tax, nationwide and in California. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Algebraic geometry is the study of shapes defined by polynomial equations like x3 + 2x2y + xz = 5, which involve a sum of variables raised to whole-number exponents. —Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin exponent-, exponens, present participle of exponere — more at expose

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exponent

• component
• deponent
• opponent
• proponent
• multicomponent
• ponent

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Kids Definition

exponent

noun

ex·​po·​nent ik-ˈspō-nənt  ˈek-ˌspō- 

1

: a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to mean raising that expression to the power of the symbol

in the expression a³, the exponent 3 indicates that a is to be raised to the third power

2

: a person who supports or favors a cause