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.
One group that remains supportive of Charlotte Water’s latest request is the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, the advocacy group’s general counsel, Larry Shaheen, told the Observer. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 In 2015, five people with ROS1+ cancer met in a bar at an advocacy event. — Stat Staff, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 Ekō, a digital advocacy non-profit coalition, published a report alleging that Meta had favoured Bolsonaro’s campaign. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026 Several speakers who have worked with Guerra defended his advocacy for immigrant families. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 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 Oct. 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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