ASPIRANTS Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

aspirants

noun

plural of aspirant

as in candidates

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award a debate between the two aspirants for the highest office

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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 aspirants And lawmakers from states newer to the early-primary lineup are already preparing to elevate what matters to their constituents, as they get wooed by presidential aspirants. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The far left is having a moment, and Democratic presidential aspirants are no doubt watching. — Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 Some people defended Altman’s business acumen and dismissed his rivals, especially Sutskever and Amodei, as failed aspirants to his throne. — Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 That neutrality could come at a cost, some experts say, should the two GOP aspirants prevail. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026 This time around, absent Wilson or other prominent Black aspirants, those voters would be likely to vote for Johnson. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 Many aspirants, like Yusuf, consider jars of skin lightening cream to be essential, along with access to exclusive gyms and going to the right hair salon. — Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 Despite many aspirants and imitators, there really hasn’t been anything like it since. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, both incumbent members of Congress and aspirants will be running in districts that have been radically gerrymandered to shrink Republicans’ tiny delegation even more, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirants

Noun

That’s thanks to two Democratic incumbents running more strongly than expected in more conservative districts, but also to candidates like Garcia, who’s running neck-and-neck against his GOP rival.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Their Students' List of candidates includes various experts in their fields with little or no experience in politics or state jobs.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of candidates

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Apparently desperate to expand its pool of applicants, the FBI is now actually considering individuals who have documented histories of animal abuse and bestiality.

— Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicants

Noun

And the way the French election works is that there’s a first round for the Presidential contenders and then the two front-runners go forward.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Among the contenders was the 38-year-old New Zealander then best known for the miniseries Reilly, Ace of Spies and Omen III — and still seven years away from Jurassic Park.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contenders

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aspirants

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“Aspirants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirants. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of aspirants

noun

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