Champion
n.resilient, kindwarm
Meaning 1
A person who actively defends, promotes, or advances someone or a cause.
Reach for it when praising advocacy that goes beyond private agreement
Dara became a champion for apprentices who lacked professional networks.
Choose between these
4- everyday
protection from criticism or harm is central
not when Defender is too reactive when the person is building new opportunities.
- warm
solidarity with another group matters most
not when An ally may support quietly without leading or campaigning.
- professional
public support and argument are the main actions
not when An advocate need not take the personal risks implied by a devoted champion.
- literary
the person visibly represents a larger cause
not when The ceremonial grandeur is awkward for modest behind-the-scenes help.
Meaning 2
The winner who has prevailed in a contest or field.
Reach for it when naming someone whose victory or leading record is central
The regional champion thanked the volunteers before lifting the trophy.
Choose between these
3- everyday
the simple result of a contest is enough
not when Winner lacks the sustained excellence associated with a recognized champion.
- professional
a formally awarded competitive title is relevant
not when It does not fit an informal victory or someone whose title has expired.
- formal
you want elevated emphasis on prevailing
not when Victor sounds martial or dramatic for a friendly local contest.
Said against
4- opponent
- detractor
- runner-up
- loser
It naturally appears in
3- champion for
He became a champion for safer crossings near schools.
- defending champion
The defending champion practiced with the youngest entrants.
- world champion
The world champion used her speech to praise her first coach.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, noun sense 2 opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- merriam-webster, noun sense 1 opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.