proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
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.

Examples of proponent in a Sentence

a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars
Recent Examples on the Web Several proponents of the divestiture legislation said that was their reason for supporting TikTok’s sale. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Financial literacy is typically overlooked, proponents say. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The change comes as the College Board, which administers the test, and proponents of standardizing testing say that the exams still have a place in determining college acceptance and aptitude. Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Camila Cabello copped to being a proponent of getting back with your ex and discussed her own brief but public reconciliation with longtime boyfriend Shawn Mendes during an appearance on Call Her Daddy. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 Embracing an Indigenous Worldview: Jefa Greenaway, an Indigenous architect in Australia, is a leading proponent of a movement in design that calls for collaboration with Indigenous communities. Vivian Wang, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Lately, he’s been a vocal proponent of Ukraine funding and of our traditional alliances, pushing back against the isolationist tendency on the right. The Editors, National Review, 29 Feb. 2024 Not making changes, science of reading proponents warn, could have wide-reaching implications, for both children and society at large. Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2024 The pandemic had hampered efforts to gather signatures outside grocery stores, and proponents successfully petitioned the court for more time in a decision that went uncontested by the California Secretary of State’s Office. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proponent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proponent was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near proponent

Cite this Entry

“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

proponent

noun
pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
ˈprō-ˌpō-nənt
: one who argues in favor of something
a proponent of recycling

Legal Definition

proponent

noun
pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
1
: one who argues in favor of something
2
: one who offers a will for probate

More from Merriam-Webster on proponent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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