champion 1 of 2

champion

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verb

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

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.
Recent Examples of champion
Noun
Among those killed in the crash were a civil rights attorney, a biology professor, several champion figure skaters and many others. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2025 In the men’s half marathon, defending champion Solomon Kagimbi of Kenya won for the second year in a row in 1:04.27, one second faster than his time a year ago. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
Advocates championed the rehabilitative potential for inmates exposed to the outdoors. Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 Along with a large contingent of the community championing his character, Williams wowed some members of the City Council with his ability to collaborate and engage with various groups, a key trait given the level of diversity in the district. Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for champion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for champion
Noun
  • Super Bowl champs visiting the White House is a decades-old tradition that began with Jimmy Carter in 1980.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson, who played for those Green Bay title teams, said there's no question his Packers were undisputed world champs in pro football for three consecutive years.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • White-Cain is a proponent of the prosperity theology, which is centered around financial and physical well-being being done through the will of God.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Others might argue that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is an enthusiastic proponent of freedom of expression.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Allen didn’t push back on that notion but did advocate keeping the store open for one last holiday season.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The president’s announcement received immediate support from airline groups that have advocated for an overhaul of the air traffic safety systems.
    Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And what about fan-favorite series like Baby Reindeer or Shōgun—both big winners at the recent Golden Globes—and the slightly nicher (but no less beloved) Industry and Slow Horses? Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Vogue, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Zoe Saldaña is this year’s Critics Choice Award winner for best supporting actress in a movie.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Still, some Trump supporters are eager for a tougher approach.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Attendees included charity representatives, TCF’s board of directors, and supporters, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Food and Drug Administration has endorsed irradiation as safe for food products, citing 30 years of research, but labeling is required when used.
    Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article Longtime Manhattan Rep. Jerrold Nadler is endorsing Scott Stringer’s campaign for mayor, making Stringer the first candidate in the 2025 race to secure support from a member of New York’s congressional delegation.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Their role is to make those expectations clear and support both the teachers, students and their families.
    Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Both are nominated for their performances — Saldaña for best supporting actress and Gascón for best actress.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • That year an honorary degree was conferred on Jacques Derrida, and when somebody described him as the exponent of deconstruction theory, Brown relates, Prince Philip was overheard muttering that his own family seemed to be deconstructing pretty well.
    Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Djokovic, who has mastered the art of winning the first four rounds of a major with as little trouble as possible over his career, is the greatest exponent of Grand Slam pacing the sport has ever seen.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near champion

Cite this Entry

“Champion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/champion. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

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