as in applicants
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
each candidate for town council was allowed to speak at the candidates' forum
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Recent Examples of candidates
As electricity bills climb, candidates are turning their fire on data centers in a rare populist backlash that cuts across party lines.
—
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
However, one in five respondents were undecided, underscoring the space that both candidates have to grow their support beyond their party bases.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Retirees who don't need frequent new credit are especially good candidates for this protection.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In one of those races, voters will choose between two at-large candidates to represent Wyandotte County.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
So far, no Democratic candidates have announced for the Senate seat.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
Poorly draining lawns with pooling or puddles are also candidates for aeration.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
In the town board race, six candidates are vying for five seats, including incumbents Robert Carney, Susan Johnson, Michael Osborne and Todd Sansbury, and newcomers Michael DeVoney and Colin Furcht.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Among them are governors of the most populous blue states, California and New York, and several governors who are considered possible 2028 presidential candidates, including California's Gavin Newsom, Illinois' JB Pritzker and Maryland's Moore.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
However, one in five respondents were undecided, underscoring the space that both candidates have to grow their support beyond their party bases.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Retirees who don't need frequent new credit are especially good candidates for this protection.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In one of those races, voters will choose between two at-large candidates to represent Wyandotte County.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
So far, no Democratic candidates have announced for the Senate seat.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
Poorly draining lawns with pooling or puddles are also candidates for aeration.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
In the town board race, six candidates are vying for five seats, including incumbents Robert Carney, Susan Johnson, Michael Osborne and Todd Sansbury, and newcomers Michael DeVoney and Colin Furcht.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Among them are governors of the most populous blue states, California and New York, and several governors who are considered possible 2028 presidential candidates, including California's Gavin Newsom, Illinois' JB Pritzker and Maryland's Moore.
—NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidates
Noun
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Schott says that the partnering universities are required to screen their applicants and choose the top two or three.—
Margaret Buranen,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
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But the appeals court mandate would mean first-time DACA applicants in Texas would not have the right to work, and existing DACA recipients who are working could lose their ability to do so.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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From October through November, in addition to weeks-long festivals in major global centers like New York and London, there are a growing number of regional film festivals that host plenty of major contenders.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
23 Oct. 2025
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While there’s no place like home, these are all a few worthy close contenders.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Reid had come to Music City like so many guitar-picking hopefuls.—
Keith Sharon,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Candidates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidates. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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