CANDIDATE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of candidate Some, notably the former gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman, accused her of being involved in election fraud. — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 The entire election may hinge on voters who are voting against a candidate, as much as for a candidate. — David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Recent elections have been marred by irregularities and the European Union is watching closely the conduct of Sunday's vote in a candidate nation for the bloc's membership. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Neither candidate reached the majority needed to win outright, forcing both campaigns to compete for a shrinking pool of undecided voters while trying to mobilize their supporters in a country deeply divided over its political future. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for candidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidate

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
Edmond and fellow applicant Jessica Thibodeaux attended the meeting, and each addressed the council to discuss their background and interest in civic service.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicant

Noun

Beyond that, this hilarious, heartfelt two-hander is a strong best-picture contender, and Malkovich, who took the Venice Film Festival’s Volpi Cup for best actor, is also a frontrunner for his charming, slippery turn.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Home Harvest is the latest contender in this indoor smart garden space, with two appliances designed to turn microgreens, herbs, and salads into something halfway between a countertop convenience and a gardening project.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026