advocate

Someone who strongly supports an idea or action and says others should support it too.

• She is an advocate for peace.
• The mayor became a strong advocate of cycling.
• Several advocates of prison reform spoke at the meeting.

How to use it: an advocate of something (She is an advocate of free public transport.); an advocate for something (He is an advocate for equal pay.)

Similar words: supporter, champion, proponent

Opposites: opponent

Common phrases: strong advocate, advocate of something, advocate for something

Someone who speaks for another person and protects their interests, especially in court.

• The court appointed an advocate for him.
• Her advocate argued that the charges should be dropped.
• Patients can ask an advocate to speak on their behalf.

How to use it: act as an advocate for someone (She acted as an advocate for the injured worker.)

Similar words: representative, spokesperson, lawyer

Common phrases: legal advocate, advocate for someone, independent advocate

To say that an idea or action is good and should be followed.

• They advocate a peaceful solution.
• She advocated changing the rules last year.
• Does the report advocate building more schools?

How to use it: advocate something (The report advocates a shorter working week.); advocate doing something (Doctors advocate eating more vegetables.)

Similar words: recommend, support, urge

Opposites: oppose

Common phrases: advocate something, advocate doing something, advocate reform

To argue publicly in support of a person, cause, or idea.

• The group advocates for prisoners.
• She advocated the cause of her client before the tribunal.
• They have long advocated for freedom of expression.

How to use it: advocate for someone/something (The organization advocates for children who cannot speak for themselves.)

Similar words: champion, defend, support

Opposites: oppose

Common phrases: advocate a cause, advocate for someone, advocate for something