white knight

noun

1

: one that comes to the rescue of another

especially : a corporation invited to buy out a second corporation in order to prevent an undesired takeover by a third

2

: one that champions a cause

Synonyms of white knight

• proponent
• supporter
• advocate
• advocator
• exponent

Examples of white knight in a Sentence

a deserving cause in need of a charismatic white knight who will galvanize public support

Recent Examples on the Web

The last cliffhanger revolves around the fate of Agence Grateau, for which Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) had to bring aboard a white knight due to financial losses. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026

Season 5 also introduces colorful newcomers, like Minnie Driver, who plays a a penniless princess turned hustler who unexpectedly becomes Agence Grateau’s white knight. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025

That city’s storied but dilapidated Winter Palace hotel is a prime target for a top-tier operator, with both Orient-Express and Belmond whispered as would-be white knights. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025

Founder Fawn Weaver may lose control of her cult Tennessee distillery after a judge mandates a receivership—unless a white knight investor bails her out. —Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for white knight

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Legal Definition

white knight

noun

: a party (as a corporation) invited to take over a corporation and thereby prevent its acquisition by another compare raider