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

Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young is always very complimentary of Langford and a big proponent of him taking more control in the clubhouse and on the field. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026

What’s more, proponents of attachment parenting also indicate that carried babies tend to be happy babies and spend more time alert and observing their environment. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026

But many believers and UAP disclosure proponents remain optimistic. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Pairing Salétros with the right-footed Zinckernagel also will help the Fire in set pieces, of which Berhalter is a big proponent. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

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