champion

1 the person who comes in first in a competition the champion of the national spelling bee Synonyms champ, titleholder, titlist, victor, winner Related Words cochampion, cowinner; placer; finalist, quarterfinalist, semifinalist; medalist (or medallist), prizewinner; megastar, star, superstar; world-beater Near Antonyms loser

2 a person who actively supports or favors a cause she's the biggest champion of budget reform in the Congress Synonyms advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, exponent, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knightRelated Words loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow travelerNear Antonyms enemy, foe, rival; belittler, critic, faultfinderAntonyms adversary, antagonist, opponent

to promote the interests or cause of he has always championed the protection of abused animals Synonyms advocate, back, support, endorse (also indorse), patronize, plump (for), plunk (for) or plonk (for)Related Words adopt, embrace, espouse; abet, aid, assist, help, prop (up), second, side (with); backstop, bolster, boost, buttress, reinforce (also reenforce); advance, forward, further; plug, preach, talk up; bail out, deliver, rescue, saveNear Antonyms baffle, foil, frustrate, interfere, oppose, sabotage, thwart; desert, disappoint, fail, let down