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
Stadium proponents posited that the union was driven by its campaign to organize the casino.
—
Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
If Marilyn Monroe’s signature stuffing recipe is any indication, the Hollywood star was a proponent of the exact opposite.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
Donald’s is a strong proponent of directing public dollars toward private schools and supports expanding laws that help facilitate establishing charter schools, which are often operated by for-profit management companies.
—Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Lori Harvey is a longtime proponent of the humble black flip-flop, and on Tuesday afternoon, for a Pilates class and post-workout lunch, the model opted for a unique take on the silhouette.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
If Marilyn Monroe’s signature stuffing recipe is any indication, the Hollywood star was a proponent of the exact opposite.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
Donald’s is a strong proponent of directing public dollars toward private schools and supports expanding laws that help facilitate establishing charter schools, which are often operated by for-profit management companies.
—Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Lori Harvey is a longtime proponent of the humble black flip-flop, and on Tuesday afternoon, for a Pilates class and post-workout lunch, the model opted for a unique take on the silhouette.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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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