as in candidates
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a debate between the two aspirants for the highest office
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aspirants
Both men reflect a cohort of youthful African aspirants aiming to ride popular disenchantments with governments to high office.
—
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The nominating petitions are rolling out, fast and furious, with 10 or more aspirants hoping to take the field in some districts.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But once Abbas leaves office, the competition among the three men—and any other aspirants—could potentially turn violent.
—Grant Rumley, Foreign Affairs, 9 Mar. 2017
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The nominating petitions are rolling out, fast and furious, with 10 or more aspirants hoping to take the field in some districts.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But once Abbas leaves office, the competition among the three men—and any other aspirants—could potentially turn violent.
—Grant Rumley, Foreign Affairs, 9 Mar. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirants
Noun
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Those were all topics discussed at a forum for Republican candidates running to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional District.—
Hannah Pinski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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In one of the videos, candidates are seen on the catwalk when the earthquake hits.—
Rajeev Tyagi,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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To encourage more authentic work, the festival offers feedback sessions for young applicants whose films aren’t accepted.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
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That contract ultimately went to Professional Security Services out of eight applicants, the audit said.—
Mary Ramsey
Updated September 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Other contests to watch involve potential conference contenders with Virginia and Louisville meeting for the chance to reach five wins and remain unbeaten in the ACC.—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Tennessee and Miami had similar turnover before finding Josh Heupel (who led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff) and Cristobal (whose Hurricanes are contenders this fall).—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspirants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirants. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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