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.
Her relentless advocacy to break down barriers that had held back women for decades was echoed by Nancy Pelosi in an interview with MSNOW. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The affordability of long-term care has worsened for middle-class Americans, according to a March report from the AARP Public Policy Institute, a policy research arm within AARP, an advocacy group for older adults. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has supported the bill, but it’s opposed by the Rural County Representatives of California, an advocacy group representing 40 counties. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Members of Missouri Workers Power, a coalition of progressive advocacy groups that oppose the city’s help in funding, submitted a letter to the City Clerk’s office Tuesday formally requesting that the petition be placed on the ballot. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 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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