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

Star third baseman José Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand on a swing Saturday and will be sidelined for an indefinite period, a massive blow to the two-time defending AL Central champions. —Tom Withers, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

Finally, the Knicks are champions again. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

Verb

Voters in Switzerland have cast their final ballots on Sunday on an initiative championed by the top right-wing party to cap the rich Alpine country's population at 10 million. —CBS News, 14 June 2026

With a mission statement that champions the customer, the economy and the environment, a single Melia Ann garment replaces two pieces that would have otherwise been produced, shipped and eventually discarded. —Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026