proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt 

ˈprō-ˌpō-

: one who argues in favor of something : advocate

Did you know?

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 of proponent

• advocate
• supporter
• advocator
• exponent

Examples of proponent in a Sentence

a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars

Recent Examples on the Web

The singer has long been a proponent of strict boundaries between celebrities, fans, and paparazzi. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2026

The purpose of the bill is to protect jobs and to limit stress on workers and customers, proponents said. —Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026

More deals means more growth, which will bring financial benefits but also, proponents say, a necessary backstop for local journalism. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

Anti-immigration bills in the Idaho Statehouse are crashing up against political reality, frustrating some proponents. —Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proponent

• component
• deponent
• exponent
• opponent
• multicomponent
• ponent

Kids 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