WHITE KNIGHT Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

white knight

noun

Definition of white knight

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

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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

Noun

But the apps’ creators and proponents argued the apps were simply a way for users to avoid contact with law enforcement and bore little difference in how Apple and Google maps let users alert others to police speed traps.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
The bulk of the money raised by the proponents of Proposition 40, which would enact a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires’ assets, appears to have been spent on gathering signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

Nixon embodies that for people, Dunn said, adding that her authenticity also attracts supporters.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Finally, supporters of the industry’s decisions contend that employers and venues have legitimate responsibilities to protect audiences and employees from hate speech, regardless of an entertainer’s race or gender.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

As violent crime has declined in the years following the pandemic, domestic homicides were one of the few categories that were on the rise in 2025, sparking calls to action from law enforcement officials and advocates.

— Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Einbinder and Sarandon have been among the most vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause amid Israel’s years-long bombardment of Gaza.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

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white-hot

white knight

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“White knight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/white%20knight. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of white knight

noun

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