proponent

noun

pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
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
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.
Apple has long been a vocal proponent of the sanctity of its users’ personal data. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 George Fishman, senior legal fellow at the conservative Center of Immigration Studies and former deputy general counsel at Department of Homeland Security during the first Trump administration, has been a strong proponent of the act. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025 Over time, proponents say, a major benefit of democratic parenting is that your children will: Learn to self-regulate. Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025 Since the 25% US tariffs on Canada were announced last month, Carney has been an outspoken proponent of dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proponent

Word History

Etymology

Latin proponent-, proponens, present participle of proponere

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proponent was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proponent. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

proponent

noun
pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
ˈprō-ˌpō-nənt
: one who argues in favor of something
a proponent of recycling

Legal Definition

proponent

noun
pro·​po·​nent prə-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce proponent (audio)
1
: one who argues in favor of something
2
: one who offers a will for probate

More from Merriam-Webster on proponent

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