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
Travis County Judge Andy Brown, a Prop A proponent, said the county envisions an initial focus on hiring and training staff at existing childcare facilities.
—
Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Republican proponents of the measure wanted to prevent noncitizens from voting in local elections, like for mayor and school board, in the future.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Trump has been a big proponent of tax cuts, particularly for U.S.-based manufacturers and this could benefit Tesla which produces a bulk of its energy storage systems and batteries domestically.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Other pluses: The company is a proponent of sustainable, fair trade production and regularly partners with independent artists and designers on exclusive releases.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proponent 
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Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Republican proponents of the measure wanted to prevent noncitizens from voting in local elections, like for mayor and school board, in the future.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Trump has been a big proponent of tax cuts, particularly for U.S.-based manufacturers and this could benefit Tesla which produces a bulk of its energy storage systems and batteries domestically.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Other pluses: The company is a proponent of sustainable, fair trade production and regularly partners with independent artists and designers on exclusive releases.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2024.
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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