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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Recent Examples of aspirants
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
Presidential aspirants trashed Senate Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
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
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
Presidential aspirants trashed Senate Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirants
Noun
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The Dallas Cowboys have requested to interview three candidates for their defensive coordinator opening, according to a report from ESPN’s Todd Archer.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
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Pratt joins 21 other candidates in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race, according to filings with the city’s Ethics Commission, a field that includes former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner and housing advocate Rae Huang.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Because of that conviction, Do was suspended in 2018 from evaluating applicants to the Workers’ Compensation Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
7 Jan. 2026
-
After approval, the Department of Finance will mail cards -- which will include the name and address of the farm, the issue date and a unique card number -- to the applicants.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, numerous sources told Deadline that Apple TV’s Europe chief Jay Hunt, former BBC content boss Charlotte Moore, and ex-Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, are among the most serious contenders.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Bucs were even Super Bowl contenders for a moment, until a division rival crushed their hope for a playoff berth.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspirants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirants. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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