as in candidates
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a debate between the two aspirants for the highest office
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Recent Examples of aspirants
For example, take a gander at the aspirants lining up to run for Chicago mayor in 2027 (or at least the ones who are looking to be boldface names).
—
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Despite many aspirants and imitators, there really hasn’t been anything like it since.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, both incumbent members of Congress and aspirants will be running in districts that have been radically gerrymandered to shrink Republicans’ tiny delegation even more, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Presidential aspirants trashed Senate Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Both men reflect a cohort of youthful African aspirants aiming to ride popular disenchantments with governments to high office.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But once Abbas leaves office, the competition among the three men—and any other aspirants—could potentially turn violent.
—Grant Rumley, Foreign Affairs, 9 Mar. 2017
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Despite many aspirants and imitators, there really hasn’t been anything like it since.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, both incumbent members of Congress and aspirants will be running in districts that have been radically gerrymandered to shrink Republicans’ tiny delegation even more, as Democrats seek to regain control of Congress.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Presidential aspirants trashed Senate Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Both men reflect a cohort of youthful African aspirants aiming to ride popular disenchantments with governments to high office.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
But once Abbas leaves office, the competition among the three men—and any other aspirants—could potentially turn violent.
—Grant Rumley, Foreign Affairs, 9 Mar. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirants
Noun
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Employers increasingly seek candidates who understand AI concepts, can work alongside AI systems, and develop AI solutions.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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Last year, the moderate Democrat took on a crowded field of candidates in an unsuccessful bid to become New York City mayor.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Federal officials haven’t indicated when efforts to swear in or interview applicants from these countries will resume.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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Those deferred early action applicants are now part of the group awaiting decisions this week.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The John Stockton-Karl Malone teams in 1990s were regular championship contenders, making the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.—
Mark Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Beyond those two and Paddack, the Marlins’ rotation contenders include Max Meyer, Braxton Garrett, Janson Junk, Adam Mazur, Ryan Gusto, Robby Snelling, Thomas White, Bradley Blalock and Dax Fulton for the final two spots — and potentially a long relief/swingman role in the bullpen.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspirants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirants. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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