exponent

noun

ex·po·nent ik-ˈspō-nənt

ˈek-ˌspō-

Synonyms of exponent next

: a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression to indicate the operation of raising to a power

: one that expounds or interprets

: one that champions, practices, or exemplifies

Did you know?

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that exponent and proponent have a lot in common. While the two share visual similarities and closely related definitions, they also have a common ancestor: the Latin ponere, meaning “to put.” Exponent comes from exponere, meaning “to explain, expound, or set forth,” while proponent comes from proponere, meaning “to expose to view, bring to one’s attention, propose.” Today, proponent usually refers to someone who argues in favor of something. Exponent can also refer to someone who is an advocate, but it tends to refer especially to someone who stands out as a shining representative of something. In addition, it has kept its earlier meaning of “one who expounds,” as well as its mathematical symbol meaning.

Examples of exponent in a Sentence

She has become one of America's foremost exponents of the romantic style in interior design. The exponent 3 in 10³ indicates 10 x 10 x 10.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

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 According to the authors of a preprint posted to the physics arXiv in February, however, recent biological research suggests a higher scaling exponent of 3 known as Murray's Law, for the rule of trees. —

Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024 Hussain was considered the most recognizable exponent of tabla, a pair of hand drums that’s the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 The special relationship was never quite as special as its most passionate exponents liked to maintain. —

Peter Martin, Foreign Affairs, 24 Apr. 2016 See all Example Sentences for exponent