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
Patriots team owner Robert Kraft is a major proponent of Jewish causes, including the elimination of antisemitism.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The latest approval this summer came after a nine-hour public hearing where opponents and proponents debated public safety concerns and the need for the shelter amid growing homelessness in the downtown area.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025
Like other Republican proponents, Gaskill is framing the vote as important for the history of the republic.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025
Lindell -- who has been one of the leading proponents of unfounded claims that voting machines created fraud in the 2020 election -- previously registered a candidate campaign committee with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, according to a filing with the board.
—Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
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Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The latest approval this summer came after a nine-hour public hearing where opponents and proponents debated public safety concerns and the need for the shelter amid growing homelessness in the downtown area.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025
Like other Republican proponents, Gaskill is framing the vote as important for the history of the republic.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025
Lindell -- who has been one of the leading proponents of unfounded claims that voting machines created fraud in the 2020 election -- previously registered a candidate campaign committee with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, according to a filing with the board.
—Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 11 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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