Synonyms of candidate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• applicant
• contender
• nominee
• campaigner
• competitor
• aspirant
• prospect
• hopeful
• seeker
• contestant
• expectant
• entry
• qualifier
• entrant
• applier
• favorite
• claimant
• crown prince
• pretender
• favorite son
• spoiler
• running mate
• stalking horse
• dark horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incumbent
• officeholder
• awardee
• noncandidate
• inductee
• honoree
• dropout

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of candidate

Pennsylvania Democratic Socialist congressional candidate Chris Rabb will also join us. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Social Security Works’ political action committee endorses candidates based on their platforms for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026

More scheduling efficiency for candidates Campaigns struggle to balance many demands such as meeting voters in person, raising money, and the logistics of travel. — Mike Catalini, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Aug. 2026

Two would-be candidates for the Deerfield Beach City Commission are going to court to try to stop the city from trying to move its election cycle. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

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