1
as in champs
the person who comes in first in a competition
the champion of the national spelling bee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proponents
a person who actively supports or favors a cause
she's the biggest champion of budget reform in the Congress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in advocates
to promote the interests or cause of
he has always championed the protection of abused animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of champions
James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Having failed to win any of the three trophies the team played for so far this year, Inter Miami is highly motivated to repeat as Supporters’ Shield champions and win the first MLS Cup in club history.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The Broncos played all but South Carolina last year and enjoyed mixed results — a 5-0 loss at the hands of eventual national champions TCU was accompanied by a pair of victories over Arizona (3-2, 3-2), and one loss apiece against Arizona State (3-2) and Florida State (4-1).
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2025
Harrison believes Woods can join that elite group of individual champions and even help bring another team title to the program.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025
After tearing his Achilles tendon during the Celtics' quest to go back-to-back as NBA champions last season, many believed that Jayson Tatum would miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season.
—Evan Bell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The lone touchdown came from rookie running back Cam Skattebo, which put the pressure on the reigning AFC champions.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
The whole concept also champions uniqueness, with the members scoping out outfits that feel true to themselves, while also being out of this world.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2025
Ai Weiwei’s work frequently champions free speech, gives a voice to the downtrodden.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The group champions the introduction of the Equal Earth projection, which aims to give Africa its magnitudinal due.
—Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Liverpool remain top of the Premier League table with five wins out of six, and being narrowly beaten by Turkish champions Galatasaray should not prevent them from making it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Having failed to win any of the three trophies the team played for so far this year, Inter Miami is highly motivated to repeat as Supporters’ Shield champions and win the first MLS Cup in club history.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The Broncos played all but South Carolina last year and enjoyed mixed results — a 5-0 loss at the hands of eventual national champions TCU was accompanied by a pair of victories over Arizona (3-2, 3-2), and one loss apiece against Arizona State (3-2) and Florida State (4-1).
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2025
Harrison believes Woods can join that elite group of individual champions and even help bring another team title to the program.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025
After tearing his Achilles tendon during the Celtics' quest to go back-to-back as NBA champions last season, many believed that Jayson Tatum would miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season.
—Evan Bell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The lone touchdown came from rookie running back Cam Skattebo, which put the pressure on the reigning AFC champions.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
Founded in 2015, AFS is a creative and cultural hub that champions Armenian films and empowers Armenian filmmakers.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
The whole concept also champions uniqueness, with the members scoping out outfits that feel true to themselves, while also being out of this world.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2025
Ai Weiwei’s work frequently champions free speech, gives a voice to the downtrodden.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The group champions the introduction of the Equal Earth projection, which aims to give Africa its magnitudinal due.
—Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for champions
Noun
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After dismantling the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 3, the Colts will have a tougher matchup in Week 4 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, who had the defending champs on the ropes last week before Philly staged a late comeback.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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Done with the blessing of Major League Baseball, the collection spans apparel, accessories and equipment with artwork in honor of the World Series champs.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Eide and other proponents of expanding hospitalization believe the administration could do even more.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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Closure of the bike path to undertake this project has drawn opposition from cycling proponents and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Grant also advocates for experimentation and recommends that at-home mixologists utilize unconventional flavors often.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
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These days, Stodden, now 31, regularly advocates for animal rights and vegetarianism with PETA.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Big winners in Europe in the third quarter included Spanish stocks, the banking sector and chip giant ASML.—
Tasmin Lockwood,Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Clarkson and Brogdon are both recent Sixth Man of the Year winners.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The 19-year-old midfielder was the subject of negative comments from a minority of supporters following his performance during the Tyneside club’s 0-0 draw at Bournemouth last Sunday.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
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Oregon defensive back Dylan Thieneman pulled in a game-sealing interception in overtime, ensuring Kirk's favorite team won in front of thousands of supporters wearing his signature shirt.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The law also requires insurance plans to cover the vaccines the state endorses.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
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Unlike Schumer and Jeffries, Harris endorses Mamdani for NYC mayor.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Champions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/champions. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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