CANDIDATE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

candidate

noun

ˈkan-də-ˌdāt

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

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 Pratt's current second-place position, which could shift, might be read by some as a limit on the allure of celebrity candidates. —

Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 3 June 2026 That's when voters decide which candidates make the November ballot. —

Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 3 June 2026 Strictly speaking, programs are not required to obtain these exemptions in order to interview political candidates. —

ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026 Please note that this list is entirely merit-based and qualitative - there is no fee to participate, and candidates cannot pay to be listed. —

Bysteel Rose, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for candidate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidate

Noun

In our view, the agency should employ enough people to handle all applications and appeals in a timely and accurate manner while protecting the data privacy and accessibility for all applicants – including those from immigrant families.

— Katie Savin, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Keller believes those broader economic realities reinforce the importance of maintaining clear and predictable immigration guidance for applicants and employers alike.

— Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 2026