Synonyms of champion

champion 1 of 2

noun

ˈcham-pē-ən 

1

as in champ

the person who comes in first in a competition

the champion of the national spelling bee

Synonyms & Similar Words

• champ
• winner
• medalist
• titleholder
• victor
• superstar
• titlist
• finalist
• placer
• semifinalist
• cochampion
• star
• cowinner
• prizewinner
• world-beater
• megastar
• quarterfinalist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loser

2

as in proponent

a person who actively supports or favors a cause

she's the biggest champion of budget reform in the Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

• proponent
• advocate
• supporter
• advocator
• exponent
• promoter
• protagonist
• booster
• friend
• apostle
• paladin
• high priest
• white knight
• true believer
• herald
• stalwart
• expounder
• espouser
• tub-thumper
• hierophant
• loyalist
• backer
• gospeler
• adherent
• disciple
• interpreter
• cheerleader
• cohort
• partisan
• follower
• encourager
• fellow traveler
• applauder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opponent
• enemy
• adversary
• antagonist
• foe
• rival
• critic
• faultfinder
• belittler

champion

2 of 2

verb

as in to advocate

to promote the interests or cause of

he has always championed the protection of abused animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advocate
• endorse
• support
• adopt
• embrace
• back
• patronize
• help
• stand up for
• assist
• aid
• go in for
• plump (for)
• stick up for
• go to bat for
• plunk (for)
• plonk (for)
• hold a brief for
• reinforce
• espouse
• save
• bolster
• forward
• preach
• rescue
• second
• side (with)
• buttress
• abet
• further
• boost
• prop (up)
• backstop
• advance
• bail out
• plug
• talk up
• deliver

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• oppose
• interfere
• thwart
• frustrate
• sabotage
• fail
• foil
• disappoint
• let down
• baffle
• desert

Synonym Chooser

How is the word champion different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of champion are advocate, back, support, and uphold. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.

championed the rights of children

When can advocate be used instead of champion?

The words advocate and champion can be used in similar contexts, but advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

When might back be a better fit than champion?

Although the words back and champion have much in common, back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.

refusing to back the call for sanctions

When could support be used to replace champion?

In some situations, the words support and champion are roughly equivalent. However, support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.

supports waterfront development

Where would uphold be a reasonable alternative to champion?

While the synonyms uphold and champion are close in meaning, uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.

upheld the legitimacy of the military action

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of champion

Noun

Two-time defending champion Marist, Mother McAuley and Lockport return a ton of talent and should be state title contenders. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Two separate champions were honored from the Cup’s 2007 inception until the 2018 season. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

For his part, Noseda has done an exceptional job in championing major Black composers at home and on record. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

But the weak-yen policy her party championed for decades is now backfiring in real time. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026