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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

A poll published by the 21 Research Agency, a pro-democracy think tank, earlier this week showed the Tisza candidate pulling ahead in most of its 20 swing districts.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Orange Lutheran coach RJ Farrell saw his team fight back from adversity, and in the Texas-bound Murrietta, he has an MVP candidate capable of igniting the Lancers with his bat, glove and leadership skills.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Some free African Americans spoke out, yet the notion of colonization persisted— even Abraham Lincoln favored it as a presidential candidate in 1860.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

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