Thesaurus results for CANDIDATE

candidate

noun

ˈkan-də-ˌdāt

Definition of candidate

as in applicant

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award each candidate for town council was allowed to speak at the candidates' forum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of candidate In the last two midterm elections, according to the Pew Research Center, more than 90% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters supported GOP candidates for the House. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 But taken together, this was quite the week of pandering candidate theatrics and not exactly the precursor to what should be a serious campaign to convince voters of the best candidate to run a city that needs a turnaround agent. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Newsom is widely seen as a potential Democratic candidate in the 2028 presidential election. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2026 Heisman candidates galore, headlined by Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning and Buckeyes wideout Jeremiah Smith. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidate

Noun

For those unaware, US visa applications require applicants to reveal any history of drug use, which can result in denial depending on the circumstances.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026
Wake Forest uses a single application process, meaning applicants do not apply to a specific campus.

— Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of applicant

Noun

The Wildcats have fallen from annual championship contenders to regular first-round playoff exits.

— Jack Leo, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The trio gives Fort Worth-area football fans what should be a trio of contenders and a ton of high-stakes playoff matchups within a reasonable distance.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of contender

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candidacy

candidate

candidates

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“Candidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of candidate

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

12 Political Putdowns

17 Red, White, and Blue Political Terms

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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