ASPIRANTS Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

aspirants

noun

plural of aspirant

as in candidates

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award a debate between the two aspirants for the highest office

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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 aspirants And lawmakers from states newer to the early-primary lineup are already preparing to elevate what matters to their constituents, as they get wooed by presidential aspirants. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The far left is having a moment, and Democratic presidential aspirants are no doubt watching. — Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 Some people defended Altman’s business acumen and dismissed his rivals, especially Sutskever and Amodei, as failed aspirants to his throne. — Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 That neutrality could come at a cost, some experts say, should the two GOP aspirants prevail. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026 This time around, absent Wilson or other prominent Black aspirants, those voters would be likely to vote for Johnson. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 Many aspirants, like Yusuf, consider jars of skin lightening cream to be essential, along with access to exclusive gyms and going to the right hair salon. — Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 Despite many aspirants and imitators, there really hasn’t been anything like it since. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, both incumbent members of Congress and aspirants will be running in districts that have been radically gerrymandered to shrink Republicans’ tiny delegation even more, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirants

Noun

While there are only so many cancer patients, all of us are candidates for screening.

— H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Republican and Democratic candidates are within a few points of each other in dozens of House and Senate races around the country.

— Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of candidates

Noun

To be eligible, applicants must be seeking enrollment at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment as a first-time freshman for Fall 2027.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Looming changes tied to ‘payment error rates’ State agencies and some state legislatures are imposing stricter rules and requiring applicants to provide more paperwork documenting their income, expenses and the number of people in their household.

— Tracy Roof, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicants

Noun

Both teams are undefeated and considered national championship contenders.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
These five rising, behind-the-scenes maestros have worked on major hits for such likely 2027 contenders as Noah Kahan, Ariana Grande and Rosalía — and could be first-time nominees in the category.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of contenders

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aspirants

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“Aspirants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirants. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of aspirants

noun

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