proponent
Americannoun
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a person who puts forward a proposition or proposal.
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a person who argues in favor of something; an advocate.
- Synonyms:
- enthusiast, champion, supporter
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a person who supports a cause or doctrine; adherent.
- Synonyms:
- enthusiast, champion, supporter
-
a person who propounds a legal instrument, such as a will for probate.
noun
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a person who argues in favour of something
-
law a person who seeks probate of a will
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.
Vocabulary lists containing proponent
Power Prefix: pro
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Grade 9, List 4
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Vocabulary from the Third and Final Presidential Debate, October 19, 2016
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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.
He said he is a proponent of “Broken Windows” policing — the idea that enforcing lesser laws will reduce more serious offenses — and took a shot at Feldstein Soto’s handling of the data breach.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
Search engine provider Baidu, sometimes called China's Google, has been a vocal proponent of the potential of AI in the country for over a decade.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
RFK Jr. is a proponent, recently telling the podcaster Joe Rogan that he has taken one.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency was a major proponent of AI adoption in government.
From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026
A proponent of the Great Books series—which he had read twice—Uncle Pete was engaged with serious thought and Italian opera.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
