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.
Tonia Arey Arey has worked in real estate, public advocacy and community engagement. — Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 One survey, done by the online safety advocacy group, Common Sense Media, found that AI use starts early – years before kids hit the minimum age of 13 on most popular chatbots. — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026 The Connecticut Project, a nonprofit social and economic advocacy group focused on making the state more affordable, is spearheading efforts for a new credit for renters, also focusing on low- and moderate earners. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 However, the advocacy group said that the sector faces growing challenges, including escalating immigration enforcement tactics by Department of Homeland Security that have disrupted workers’ lives and factory operations. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 29 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 1 Nov. 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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