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
The administration's actions, including the revocation of thousands of student visas, have drawn concern over infringements on free speech, while proponents view the move as a long overdue federal response to concerns over antisemitism.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Business Implications Company leaders need not pay little attention to political arguments about whether the policies are good or bad; both proponents and opponents of a policy tend to exaggerate the effects of policies.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
If enacted, the bill could allow such crypto coins to become a mainstream tool for digital payments and investments, proponents say.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Business Implications Company leaders need not pay little attention to political arguments about whether the policies are good or bad; both proponents and opponents of a policy tend to exaggerate the effects of policies.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
If enacted, the bill could allow such crypto coins to become a mainstream tool for digital payments and investments, proponents say.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 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 13 Jun. 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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