proponent
noun
pro·po·nent
prə-ˈpō-nənt 
ˈprō-ˌpō-
: one who argues in favor of something : advocate
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Proponent comes from the same Latin word as propose, so a proponent is someone who proposes something, or at least supports it by speaking and writing in favor of it. Thus, for example, proponents of casinos argue that they create jobs, whereas proponents of a casino ban—that is, casino opponents—argue that they're corrupting and they take money away from people who can't afford it. As a rule, just about anything important that gets proposed also gets opposed.
Synonyms
Examples of proponent in a Sentence
a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars
Recent Examples on the Web
Doing so, proponents said, would help patients by easing shortages of healthcare providers who accept Medi-Cal.
—
Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Elon Musk, who has been a strong proponent of advanced uncrewed air combat systems, recently lambasted the F-35.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Secondly, McDermott has long been a proponent of having his core players be mentally on top of their game, either in a preseason or end-of-season resting scenario.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
The actor has long positioned himself as a prominent proponent of women's rights and encouraged other men to adopt feminist values.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proponent 
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Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Elon Musk, who has been a strong proponent of advanced uncrewed air combat systems, recently lambasted the F-35.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Secondly, McDermott has long been a proponent of having his core players be mentally on top of their game, either in a preseason or end-of-season resting scenario.
—Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
The actor has long positioned himself as a prominent proponent of women's rights and encouraged other men to adopt feminist values.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proponent
Dictionary Entries Near proponent
Cite this Entry
“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proponent
noun
pro·po·nent
prə-ˈpō-nənt
ˈprō-ˌpō-nənt
: one who argues in favor of something
a proponent of recycling
Legal Definition
proponent
noun
pro·po·nent
prə-ˈpō-nənt
1
: one who argues in favor of something
2
: one who offers a will for probate
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