advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating (see advocate entry 2) something
known for his advocacy of gay rights

Examples of advocacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Accompanying Tan’s claim was a flow chart that presented the Chinese government and state media as amplifying anti-AI and anti-data center messaging, based on reports from a cryptocurrency advocacy group. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 In 2011 Wright received the Vanguard Award at the Outmusic Awards given by the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts recognizing her advocacy after coming out publicly. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Carmen Balber, executive director for the advocacy organization Consumer Watchdog, said the Senate’s plan still has elements that concern her. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 In May, child advocacy groups Fairplay and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation asked the FTC to investigate Roblox over similar allegations. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for advocacy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advocacie "intercession," borrowed from Anglo-French advocassie "pleading," borrowed from Medieval Latin advocatia "patronage," from Latin advocātus advocate entry 1 + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of advocacy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing advocacy

Browse Nearby Words

advocaat
advocacy
advocacy journalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advocacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocacy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

advocacy

noun
ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun
ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē How to pronounce advocacy (audio)
1
: the profession or work of an advocate
2
: the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal
a consequence of his moving advocacy—W. O. Douglas
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