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
California’s Democratic leaders, including Newsom and top state lawmakers, have been major proponents of transitioning to renewable energy and imposing more restrictions on the state’s oil and gas industry.
—
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Leo was a staunch proponent of church orthodoxy, helping guide the early church on tenets including the dual nature of Christ and the idea of papal infallibility.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
He’s been a steadfast proponent of theatrical and a believer in its longevity — not just in franchises but also original movies.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 May 2025
The proposal would force states to be more fiscally responsible, the proponents say; any changes to benefits would have to be made at the state level.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
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Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Leo was a staunch proponent of church orthodoxy, helping guide the early church on tenets including the dual nature of Christ and the idea of papal infallibility.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
He’s been a steadfast proponent of theatrical and a believer in its longevity — not just in franchises but also original movies.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 May 2025
The proposal would force states to be more fiscally responsible, the proponents say; any changes to benefits would have to be made at the state level.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 5 May 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 24 May. 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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