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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

And 20% support — which is roughly what the top candidate receives in surveys — is hardly a number to strike fear in the heart of rivals.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

King would be stumping throughout the Tarheel State for his longtime friend, black gubernatorial candidate Dr. Reginald Hawkins.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

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