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.

Messi, who drove Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar four years ago, lashed in the penalty as the reigning champions eased to a 3-0 win.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

But it is not easy to qualify automatically and England were given a rough draw with world champions Spain in their group.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

It needed to be private, convenient, and up to the exacting standards of the three-time champions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

This is the only group with two former champions in Spain, the 2010 winner when it beat the Netherlands for its first world title, and Uruguay, whose two titles came in 1930 and 1950.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“May I introduce Mr. Ollivander?” said Dumbledore, taking his place at the judges’ table and talking to the champions.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling