Meaning & use
exponent
In mathematics, a number placed above and to the right of another number, showing how many times it is multiplied by itself.
See it in a sentence
In the expression 2 to the power of 3, the exponent 3 tells us to multiply 2 by itself three times.
As a leading exponent of minimalist design, she rarely used more than two colors in a room.
A note on using this word
Exponent has two distinct meanings: the mathematical term for a power, and a person who actively supports or promotes a particular idea.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A person who actively supports, promotes, or represents a particular idea, cause, or method.
He became a leading exponent of renewable energy policy in the region.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “exponent”, then compare your use with the examples above.