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
White-Cain is a proponent of the prosperity theology, which is centered around financial and physical well-being being done through the will of God.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Others might argue that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is an enthusiastic proponent of freedom of expression.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
If Trump adds even more pressure on China over AI, proponents of a more hawkish strategy believe China’s house of AI cards may crumble.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
Listen to this article Del Mar City Council members left open the possibility of pursuing an ordinance to more strictly regulate retail animal sales during their Jan. 21 meeting, following a petition the city rejected because the proponent was not a Del Mar resident.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Others might argue that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is an enthusiastic proponent of freedom of expression.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
If Trump adds even more pressure on China over AI, proponents of a more hawkish strategy believe China’s house of AI cards may crumble.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
Listen to this article Del Mar City Council members left open the possibility of pursuing an ordinance to more strictly regulate retail animal sales during their Jan. 21 meeting, following a petition the city rejected because the proponent was not a Del Mar resident.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
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 13 Feb. 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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