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
But California has a top-two primary system in which all candidates run against each other regardless of party, advancing to the November general election if no candidate reaches 50% of the vote.
—
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
According to Gaber, the university chancellor, Charlotte didn’t open the search until after the transfer portal closed in mid-January, but zeroed in on White after receiving interest from more than 100 candidates.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
With nine prominent Democrats in the race, pressure on lower polling candidates to drop out has increased as concerns grow that Democrats will split their party’s vote in the June 2 primary, allowing two Republicans to slip into the runoff.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
The possibilities include former presidential candidates, governors, senators, House members and even celebrities.
—Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
In the 16 days between firing Patullo and hiring Sean Mannion, the Eagles conducted interviews with at least 17 candidates, but one interview request never had a chance.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026
For political candidates, this economic anxiety poses a massive electoral threat.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Rather, they are required to provide such opportunities if legally qualified opposing candidates request it.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
News programs are not bound by the rule that demands that networks give equal airtime to viable political candidates during the lead-up to an election.
—William Earl, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
According to Gaber, the university chancellor, Charlotte didn’t open the search until after the transfer portal closed in mid-January, but zeroed in on White after receiving interest from more than 100 candidates.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
With nine prominent Democrats in the race, pressure on lower polling candidates to drop out has increased as concerns grow that Democrats will split their party’s vote in the June 2 primary, allowing two Republicans to slip into the runoff.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
The possibilities include former presidential candidates, governors, senators, House members and even celebrities.
—Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
In the 16 days between firing Patullo and hiring Sean Mannion, the Eagles conducted interviews with at least 17 candidates, but one interview request never had a chance.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026
For political candidates, this economic anxiety poses a massive electoral threat.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Rather, they are required to provide such opportunities if legally qualified opposing candidates request it.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
News programs are not bound by the rule that demands that networks give equal airtime to viable political candidates during the lead-up to an election.
—William Earl, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidates
Noun
-
However, the significant rebound stems from investments in early prep programs launched during the Biden administration for applicants who fell short of academic or fitness requirements.—
ABC NEWS,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
In conjunction with applying for citizenship, applicants are also required to submit a separate permanent residency application—both of which must be submitted in person at a consulate.—
Brittany Chang,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Now's the time to catch up on all the best picture nominees and other contenders.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
True contenders are not cautious.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ten of this year’s hopefuls are on the ballot for the first time (nominees must have released their first commercial recordings at least 25 years prior).—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
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Ciara was one of 11 hopefuls to audition during Monday’s episode.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Candidates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidates. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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