proponent
noun
pro·po·nent
prə-ˈpō-nənt 
ˈprō-ˌpō-
: one who argues in favor of something : advocate
Did you know?
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.
Examples of proponent in a Sentence
a vocal proponent of the use of electric-powered cars
Recent Examples on the Web
While proponents argue that these measures will reduce regulatory delays and bolster U.S. technological leadership, there will no doubt be concerns about potential compromises to safety and the undermining of regulatory independence.
—
Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
But with three weeks left in the regular session, proponents are still trying to figure out what — if any — changes may move forward this year.
—Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 23 May 2025
With 15 Democrats voting for the bill to pass the cloture threshold this week, the proponents have the votes necessary to avoid a filibuster.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Dyson is a proponent of continually metamorphosing one’s self.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
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Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
But with three weeks left in the regular session, proponents are still trying to figure out what — if any — changes may move forward this year.
—Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 23 May 2025
With 15 Democrats voting for the bill to pass the cloture threshold this week, the proponents have the votes necessary to avoid a filibuster.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Dyson is a proponent of continually metamorphosing one’s self.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for proponent
Cite this Entry
“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 3 Jun. 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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