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Synonyms

proponent

American  
[pruh-poh-nuhnt] / prəˈpoʊ nənt /

noun

  1. a person who puts forward a proposition or proposal.

  2. a person who argues in favor of something; an advocate.

    Synonyms:
    enthusiast, champion, supporter
  3. a person who supports a cause or doctrine; adherent.

    Synonyms:
    enthusiast, champion, supporter
  4. a person who propounds a legal instrument, such as a will for probate.


proponent British  
/ prəˈpəʊnənt /

noun

  1. a person who argues in favour of something

  2. law a person who seeks probate of a will

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of proponent

First recorded in 1580–90, proponent is from the Latin word prōpōnent- (stem of prōpōnēns ). See propone, -ent

Explanation

Proponent means someone who is in favor of something. You might be a proponent of longer vacations, but your parents are proponents of a longer school year. If you’re in favor of long school vacations, you’re pro or "for" long vacations. The prefix pro- also carries the meaning of “forward,” “ahead,” or “before.” All of these senses are at work in proponent: someone who suggests (puts forward) an idea or who is in favor of an idea. A proponent proposes an idea or advocates for a proposal or a proposition.

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Vocabulary lists containing proponent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Proponent though he is of the area, Perkins said he is concerned about its future.

From Washington Times • Mar. 19, 2017

"Nobody is questioning the value of continuing to teach the great works of Western culture," insists CIV Proponent Thomas Wasow, dean of undergraduate studies.

From Time Magazine Archive

Proponent of the bill was a weighty champion.

From Time Magazine Archive