advocate

American  

[ad-vuh-keyt, ad-vuh-kit, -keyt] / ˈæd vəˌkeɪt, ˈæd və kɪt, -ˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

advocated, advocating

1. to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly.

   He advocated higher salaries for teachers.

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verb (used without object)

advocated, advocating

1. to act as an advocate.

   a father who advocates for his disabled child.

noun

1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc. (usually followed byof ).

   an advocate of peace.

   Synonyms:

   backer, proponent, champion

2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor.

3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.

   Synonyms:

   solicitor, barrister, counsel, counselor, attorney, lawyer

advocate British  

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to support or recommend publicly; plead for or speak in favour of

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noun

1. a person who upholds or defends a cause; supporter

2. a person who intercedes on behalf of another

3. a person who pleads his client's cause in a court of law See also barrister solicitor counsellor

4. Scots law the usual word for barrister

Other Word Forms

• advocative adjective
• advocator noun
• advocatory adjective
• nonadvocate noun
• preadvocate noun
• readvocate verb (used with object)
• subadvocate noun
• unadvocated adjective
• well-advocated adjective

Etymology

Origin of advocate

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin advocātus “legal counselor,” originally past participle of advocāre “to call to one's aid,” equivalent to ad- ad- + vocāre “to call” (akin to vōx voice ); replacing Middle English avocat, from Middle French

Example Sentences

In Baton Rouge, La., the French chef Philippe Parola has become a passionate advocate for Copi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Nesbitt became a private credit advocate: Cliffwater launched an index tracking performance, the firm shared research and Nesbitt wrote two books on the topic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Arians, who became a member of the competition committee late in his coaching career, has discussed the situation with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and is an advocate of making officials full-time league employees.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Following a recent fans' forum, Manchester United said it would "advocate on behalf of fans".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Among them was Sargent Prentiss Freeling, a former Oklahoma attorney general and a staunch advocate of states’ rights.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• back
• campaign for
• defend
• encourage
• favor
• further
• justify
• press for
• promote
• propose
• push
• recommend
• support
• tout
• uphold
• urge