proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt 

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.

Synonyms of proponent

• advocate
• supporter
• advocator
• exponent

Examples of proponent in a Sentence

a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars

Recent Examples on the Web

But the issue of switching to even-year elections remains a hot topic viewed by many residents as an important reform measure that proponents say would increase voter turnout and lower election costs. —Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

And while speed may be necessary for redistricting proponents staring down key election deadlines, any new map enacted will likely face legal challenges. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 2 Dec. 2025

MacKinnon has been a big proponent of chickpea pasta in the past, and isn’t afraid to offer dietary tips to his teammates. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025

Grounding, according to its proponents, may support your body by supplying it with stabilizing electrons. —Don Riddell, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proponent

• component
• deponent
• exponent
• opponent
• multicomponent
• ponent

Kids 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