white knight

noun

Definition of white knightnext
as in proponent
a person who actively supports or favors a cause a deserving cause in need of a charismatic white knight who will galvanize public support

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 white knight When Paramount – a company in disarray and deep financial distress – started courting potential buyers in 2024, Ellison emerged as the white knight. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 To combat this, Walt Disney's nephew Roy and his business partner Stanley Gold put together a group which eventually chose Eisner, a real-life white knight whose job was to save the company rather than break it up. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Separately, the company has been hit with sale speculation, most recently that Anta Sports could be a white knight for the brand. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 The last cliffhanger revolves around the fate of Agence Grateau, for which Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) had to bring aboard a white knight due to financial losses. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for white knight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for white knight
  1. proponent
  2. supporter
  3. advocate
  4. advocator
  5. exponent
Noun
  • For this reason, proponents tout fuel cells as an effective way to cut emissions while still providing essential power to homes, businesses, factories and, increasingly, data centers.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Aronofsky, who has been a big proponent of using generative AI in filmmaking after launching his creative studio Primordial Soup last year, was honored with Camerimage’s honorary Award for Director.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • As visible support for the movement grows, so does the likelihood that members of government, as well as high-profile supporters outside the administration, will decide to not oppose the movement—or even decide to actively support it.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Scores were detained and beaten by police and pro-government supporters during protests.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • Community leaders and advocates called for an end to gun violence, bullying and for Frimpong's killers to come forward.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Cannabis advocates generally support things like age restrictions and measures to keep the products away from children, but have pushed back against rules in Texas that effectively ban a wide variety of products for adult use.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • In the leadership and care phase, your role is that of an advocator.
    — Rodney C. Adkins, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of advocator
Noun
  • One of the most distinguished exponents of Beowulf as live performance today is the American singer Benjamin Bagby, who’s made the lyre an indispensable part of his act.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Arrieta brings up names like Oliver Laxe, Los Javis and Alauda Ruiz De Azúa as exponents of this new wave.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of exponent

Browse Nearby Words

white-hot
white knight
white knights
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Cite this Entry

“White knight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/white%20knight. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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