Synonyms for

Candidate

Verb / ˈkændʌdeɪt / / ˈkænʌdɪt / Another word for candidate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is running for political office or a position in an organization.

Synonyms & similar words

nominee prospect campaigner contender applicant nominee hopeful competitor aspirant contender entrant runner suitor campaigner postulant seeker pretender prospect possibility challenger interviewee interviewer interrogator

Synonyms by register

Formal

applicant nominee aspirant contender

Informal

hopeful runner bidder

Literary

postulant pretender

Antonyms

opponent competitor rival adversary challenger non-candidate

Common collocations

  • job candidate
  • political candidate
  • leading candidate
  • potential candidate
  • strong candidate
  • election candidate
  • candidate for president
  • candidate for office

Word family

noun candidate
verb candidate

Usage note

While 'candidate' can sometimes be used as a verb, it is far more common as a noun. It refers to someone seeking a position, award, or honor.

Example sentences

  1. The candidate will have a debate with the other candidates next week.
  2. She is a candidate for the school board.
  3. The candidate's campaign promises were very popular with voters.
  4. The candidate gave a speech at the rally.
  5. The candidate's qualifications were impressive.

Quotes

  • A candidate is someone who gets money from the rich and votes from the poor to protect them from each other.
  • A candidate is someone who stands for everything and nothing.
  • A candidate is a person with a hole in his head through which all his brains leak out.

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