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Definitions

candidate

[kan-di-deyt, -dit, kan-di-deyt] / ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt, -dɪt, ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt /
NOUN
person desiring political office, job
Synonyms
STRONGEST
applicant aspirant bidder competitor contender contestant nominee successor
STRONG
claimant entrant hopeful petitioner possibility pothunter runner seeker stumper suitor write-in
WEAK
dark horse favorite son handshaker job-hunter office seeker possible choice solicitant whistle-stopper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Giuliani, on the other hand, made national headlines as “America’s mayor” for his leadership during the 9/11 crisis, and immediately became a plausible candidate for president.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Find out whether your adviser candidate is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and whether or not they operate under a dual-registered model.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The vote on Friday across the upper and lower houses of parliament in the capital Naypyidaw saw Min Aung Hlaing secure a huge margin over the second-place candidate in a three-person race.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

She had been due to stand as a regional list candidate in Central Scotland and Lothians West in next month's election.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Victoria Woodhull wanted respect, both as a suffragist and as a candidate for president of the United States.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.