advocate 1 of 2

Definition of advocatenext

advocate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word advocate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of advocate are back, champion, support, and uphold. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

When is it sensible to use back instead of advocate?

Although the words back and advocate have much in common, back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.

refusing to back the call for sanctions

When can champion be used instead of advocate?

In some situations, the words champion and advocate are roughly equivalent. However, champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.

championed the rights of children

When is support a more appropriate choice than advocate?

The synonyms support and advocate are sometimes interchangeable, but support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.

supports waterfront development

Where would uphold be a reasonable alternative to advocate?

While the synonyms uphold and advocate are close in meaning, uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.

upheld the legitimacy of the military action

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 advocate
Noun
The masked officers, in roving caravans of unmarked cars, drew resistance from angry crowds of immigration advocates and ordinary citizens, and were told by their leaders to meet anyone who harmed them with force. Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026 As a regular advocate of the French manicure, Dakota Johnson has decided to explore new territory to liven up this classic. Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Human Artistry Campaign advocates for responsible AI. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026 Senior advocates The Sheriff’s Office is reminding older residents of its senior advocates program. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advocate
Noun
  • However, Joyner isn't a proponent of doing so, if possible.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Count Doyle as a proponent of the Rockies’ outfield options as Colorado looks for ways to show progress following a disastrous 119-loss season in 2025.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In January, lawyer Robert Pang said Lai suffered health issues including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and diabetes.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • She had been arrested in December at a ceremony honoring Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate who had been based in Mashhad.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Millions of people watch the Olympic Games, and every logo shown on screen sends a message about what aligns with Olympic values, and what the Olympic movement chooses to endorse.
    Ukaleq Slettemark, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Bass supported Raman during her successful 2024 reelection bid, and just weeks before announcing her mayoral run, Raman endorsed Bass for reelection.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • To his excited supporters, Platner might just be the Democrats’ perfect populist insurgent for Maine.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Unless public land supporters in office act to clarify corner crossing in law, access will continue to shrink.
    Karlee Provenza, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Groft’s attorneys in November expressed doubt as to his mental competency, but a judge deemed Groft competent after an evaluation.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Simpson's defense attorneys and prosecutors with the state paint two very different pictures of Kendrick Simpson.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • My job is to keep our mission, vision, and commitment to impact front and center and to make sure our staff feel supported and able to stay focused on the work.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Trump supported Milei’s fiscal program last year with a $20-billion credit line that succeeded in calming markets and boosting Milei’s prospects in a crucial midterm election in October.
    Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advocate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on advocate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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