cheerleader

[cheer-lee-der] / ˈtʃɪərˌli dər /

NOUN

one who supports and praises

Synonyms

STRONG

champion defender exponent promoter supporter

WEAK

admirer advocate apostle booster friend

Antonyms

STRONGEST

antagonist enemy

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.

Lilly received an endorsement from an unlikely cheerleader on Thursday: S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded Lilly’s issuer credit rating to AA- from A+ while maintaining a positive outlook.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

One cheerleader is Citi Research analyst Fatima Boolani, who initiated coverage on the stock at Buy with a $285 price target on Friday.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

No prizes for guessing that France is the loudest nuclear cheerleader.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Then her dad comes crashing in, who is a vulnerability cheerleader, and is really encouraging her to feel your feelings, which is such an important thing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Every time Coach called a number, he clapped his hands together like a cheerleader.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds