champions

NOUN

defeater in competition; preeminent supporter

Synonyms

STRONGEST

challenger champ defender hero medalist number one winner

STRONG

advocate ally backer conqueror endorser exponent expounder guardian heroine nonpareil paladin partisan patron proponent protector supporter sympathizer upholder vanquisher victor vindicator warrior

WEAK

numero uno the greatest titleholder top dog

Antonyms

STRONG

antagonist enemy loser opponent opposition

VERB

advocate, support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defend espouse fight for promote uphold

STRONG

back battle contend patronize support

WEAK

go to bat for plead for put in a good word for ride shotgun for side with stand behind stand up for thump for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forsake

STRONG

oppose

WEAK

be against

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A total of 53 names have been engraved onto the Stanley Cup to represent the 2026 champions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026

They were painstakingly close to achieving one of the tournament's great upsets against Argentina, leading 2-0 with just minutes left to play before the defending champions staged an astonishing 3-2 comeback win.

From Barron's • Jul. 10, 2026

France began this tournament third in the world rankings, behind reigning holders Argentina in top spot and current European champions Spain in second.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026

A wrist injury sidelined her for almost 10 months from September 2023, but she has rediscovered her finest form this fortnight to beat three former Grand Slam champions on her way to the final.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026

He felt they sensed each other’s frayed loneliness as past champions, a nostalgia to which few could relate.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady