as in candidates
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
have numerous applicants for the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of applicants
Last year, a university in southern China launched a specialized barbecue school to train grilling experts for the booming night food economy, enrolling only 30 students from more than 4,000 applicants — an acceptance ratio that rivals those of some of China’s most elite university programs.
—
Erin Tan, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The exact criteria for what makes a Palace hotel are well guarded, but applicants are evaluated on their location, design and appearance, cultural heritage, spa and restaurant venues, and level of service, among other considerations.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
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
Prior visa overstays, unauthorized employment periods, or unresolved legal records can follow applicants throughout future filings if not addressed carefully at the outset.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Why are there so few star applicants eager to fill it?
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
For thoughtful applicants, that creates opportunity.
—Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford and Caltech each restored standardized testing requirements for applicants in 2024 or 2025.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
She was selected to play Maria from over 30,000 applicants and won a Golden Globe for her performance in the beloved musical.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Erin Tan, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The exact criteria for what makes a Palace hotel are well guarded, but applicants are evaluated on their location, design and appearance, cultural heritage, spa and restaurant venues, and level of service, among other considerations.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
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
Prior visa overstays, unauthorized employment periods, or unresolved legal records can follow applicants throughout future filings if not addressed carefully at the outset.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Why are there so few star applicants eager to fill it?
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
For thoughtful applicants, that creates opportunity.
—Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford and Caltech each restored standardized testing requirements for applicants in 2024 or 2025.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
She was selected to play Maria from over 30,000 applicants and won a Golden Globe for her performance in the beloved musical.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicants
candidates
Noun
-
The Dodgers had Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker and Smith — none of whom were candidates to be pulled for a pinch-hitter — due up in the ninth.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Gleason’s push to make political connections in Idaho, and beyond, appears to revolve around backing candidates who support legislation that helps advance the gold and silver sales and storage industries.—
Kevin Fixler
June 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applicants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicants. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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