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

In Roberts’ telling, this trauma was enabled by “big government” and its proponents.

From Salon

The proponents of the proposition appealed, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that they did not represent the state and had no standing.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the proponents of Proposition 36, including the mayors of San José, San Francisco and San Diego, described it as a “mass treatment” measure to address “chronic homelessness, addiction and despair.”

From Los Angeles Times

A proposition coined as a “revenge measure” was added to the ballot, targeting how a healthcare foundation that is a prime proponent of rent control measures could spend their revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

But the issue’s biggest proponent on a national ticket?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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