candidacy

noun

can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-də-də-sē How to pronounce candidacy (audio)
ˈka-nə-
plural candidacies
Synonyms of candidacynext
: the state of being a candidate
he is expected to announce his candidacy

Examples of candidacy in a Sentence

He withdrew his candidacy after the scandal damaged his reputation.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, Raman's fractured relationship with the DSA has become the defining paradox of her candidacy here in LA. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026 But the other Sullivan has said the decision to run was his own and denied his candidacy was intended to confuse voters or siphon votes in Republican Sullivan's tight race against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. — Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 Progressives, meanwhile, see his candidacy as a test of whether their agenda can win in a battleground state ahead of the 2028 presidential election. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Back then, Hamilton was a political newcomer who surprised himself with his candidacy. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candidacy

Word History

Etymology

candid(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of candidacy was in 1693

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Candidacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candidacy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

candidacy

noun
can·​di·​da·​cy ˈkan-dəd-ə-sē How to pronounce candidacy (audio)
ˈkan-əd-
plural candidacies
: the state of being a candidate

More from Merriam-Webster on candidacy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster