supplicant

1 of 2

noun

sup·​pli·​cant ˈsə-pli-kənt How to pronounce supplicant (audio)
Synonyms of supplicantnext
: one who supplicates

supplicant

2 of 2

adjective

Examples of supplicant in a Sentence

Noun the new governor soon had to deal with a long line of supplicants asking for jobs and other political favors Adjective hated having to go before his boss like a supplicant beggar whenever he needed some time off to attend to personal matters
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.
Noun
More than anything, in the halo headpieces that are her signature accessory, Mary recalls a medieval religious icon, the Holy Virgin as fictional diva, touching down on stages in major markets to be adored by seas of light-waving supplicants. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026 One of its most common tools is to write a book, or have a book written, to introduce the presidential supplicant to voters. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Yet that is happening, because Congress is too weak and supplicant to assert its constitutional power against an unhinged executive. Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026 The prayer quickly ends, and another supplicant hands over his passport. Diaa Hadid, NPR, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for supplicant

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin supplicant-, supplicans "petitioner," noun derivative from Latin supplicant-, supplicans, present participle of supplicāre "to seek the goodwill (of a person wronged) with peace offerings, supplicate"

Adjective

borrowed from Latin supplicant-, supplicans, present participle of supplicāre "to seek the goodwill (of a person wronged) with peace offerings, supplicate"

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supplicant was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supplicant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supplicant. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

supplicant

noun
sup·​pli·​cant
ˈsəp-li-kənt
: one who asks earnestly
supplicant adjective
supplicantly adverb
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