: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating (see advocate entry 2) something
known for his advocacy of gay rights

Examples of advocacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Generously give credit to others, as this social intelligence builds trust and advocacy. Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, which co-sponsored the bill, said food labels are the leading cause of household food waste. Olga R. Rodriguez, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, which co-sponsored the bill, said food labels are the leading cause of household food waste. ABC News, 1 July 2026 Data centers have been a recurring topic of discussion in North Texas with advocacy groups in Fort Worth calling for a moratorium. Mary Ella Hastings updated July 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for advocacy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advocacie "intercession," borrowed from Anglo-French advocassie "pleading," borrowed from Medieval Latin advocatia "patronage," from Latin advocātus advocate entry 1 + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of advocacy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advocacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocacy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

advocacy

noun
: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun
1
: the profession or work of an advocate
2
: the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal
a consequence of his moving advocacyW. O. Douglas

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