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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Volz has been a major proponent of continuing to rely mainly on NOAA operated satellites, while entering into data purchase agreements with private companies as well. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 But those caps haven’t been updated in more than two decades, and proponents of the policy argue the exemptions haven’t kept up with rising costs. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 Though no concrete evidence was ever provided, proponents of the rumor published multiple videos on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms detailing their claims. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 Crypto proponents say those rules could legitimize stablecoins, making banks, retailers and consumers more comfortable with using them to transfer funds. Niket Nishant, USA Today, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for proponent

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

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