as in applicant
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 candidate
The regulation requires that broadcasters who feature political candidates provide comparable air time to rivals if it is requested.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are widely seen as potential candidates to replace Starmer.
—Chloe Taylor,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Those fears have eased somewhat in recent months as some Democratic candidates advance from the pack.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Nick Stewart is a Democratic candidate for Baltimore County Executive.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for candidate
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are widely seen as potential candidates to replace Starmer.
—Chloe Taylor,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Those fears have eased somewhat in recent months as some Democratic candidates advance from the pack.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Nick Stewart is a Democratic candidate for Baltimore County Executive.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for candidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for candidate
Noun
-
Importing higher-paying—and oftentimes higher-achieving—students benefits a school during boom times, when universities have seemingly infinite choice among applicants.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
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Rick Freedman, a Miami Beach native and a Kiwanis member since 1995, said the scholarship applicants’ stories resonated with him because of how well the students handled challenges in their lives, and persevered.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Barring an Eric Swalwell-style blow-up, the top three — Becerra, Steyer and Hilton — are really the only true contenders.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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King is more likely to be a lock for the practice squad than a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster entering OTAs.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Candidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/candidate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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