proponent

[pruh-poh-nuhnt]

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

/ prəˈpəʊnənt /

noun

1. a person who argues in favour of something

2. law a person who seeks probate of a will

Word History and Origins

Origin of proponent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of proponent¹

C16: from Latin prōpōnere to _propose

Example Sentences

Still, the proponents of tearing down the bachelor degree from its prominent role in American life offer few viable substitutes that can be applied broadly today, experts say.

Read more on MarketWatch

James Miller, an activist and Free Britney proponent, says the book will not help the singer.

Read more on BBC

Commissioner Adam Silver was an early proponent of legalized gambling, and it was his gravitas that nudged other sports to come along.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Critics of gold use this fact to chastise the proponents of a return to a gold-backed dollar.

Read more on Barron's

The legislation would not have required applicants to belong to any particular race or ethnicity — a crucial detail that proponents said distinguished it from affirmative action, which is banned at California colleges.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocate 
• backer 
• defender 
• enthusiast 
• exponent 
• partisan 
• patron 
• protector 
• supporter