Synonyms of candidate

candidate

noun

ˈkan-də-ˌdāt 

as in applicant

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award

each candidate for town council was allowed to speak at the candidates' forum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• applicant
• contender
• nominee
• campaigner
• competitor
• aspirant
• prospect
• hopeful
• seeker
• contestant
• expectant
• entry
• qualifier
• entrant
• applier
• favorite
• claimant
• crown prince
• pretender
• favorite son
• spoiler
• running mate
• stalking horse
• dark horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incumbent
• officeholder
• awardee
• noncandidate
• inductee
• honoree
• dropout

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of candidate

In this district, which has swung between presidential candidates by less than a percentage point, Democrat JoAnna Mendoza and Republican incumbent Juan Ciscomani have made Trump—and voters’ judgment of his presidency—central to their campaigns. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Or is that simply naivete borne of the American myth that our candidates’ attentiveness extends beyond the ballot box and endures long after Election Day? — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Regardless of party, Floridians want and deserve candidates with high personal integrity. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

He's seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate and is a prolific Democratic fundraiser. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

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