Candidate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkan-də-ˌdāt/ can·di·date

Meaning & Definition of Candidate

Candidate (noun)

  1. one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award
  2. one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified
  3. a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree

Candidate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award

    "each candidate for town council was allowed to speak at the candidates' forum"

    similar: applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, hopeful, prospect, seeker
    related: competitor, contestant, entrant, entry, favorite, qualifier, dark horse, spoiler, stalking horse, crown prince, favorite son, claimant, pretender, nominee, running mate
    opposite: noncandidate
    near: incumbent, officeholder, awardee, honoree, inductee, dropout

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Candidate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Candidate:

applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, hopeful, prospect, seeker

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Candidate

Words with the opposite meaning of Candidate:

noncandidate

Related Words for Candidate

competitor, contestant, entrant, entry, favorite, qualifier, dark horse, spoiler, stalking horse, crown prince, favorite son, claimant, pretender, nominee, running mate

Near Antonyms of Candidate

incumbent, officeholder, awardee, honoree, inductee, dropout

Origin & Etymology of Candidate

borrowed from Latin candidātus "man running for public office," noun derivative from candidātus "dressed in white clothes," from candidus "bright, white" + -ātus -ate:3; from the whitened toga worn by candidates for office in ancient Rome candid:1

First known use: 1600

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Candidate

Words & Phrases Containing Candidate

Manchurian candidate

Frequently Asked Questions about Candidate

What does "Candidate" mean?

"Candidate" means one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award. As a noun, it is defined as: one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award.

What is another word for "Candidate"?

Other words for "Candidate" include applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, hopeful and prospect. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Candidate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Candidate"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Candidate". Common alternatives include applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, hopeful, prospect and seeker.

What is the opposite of "Candidate"?

Antonyms of "Candidate" include noncandidate. Near antonyms include incumbent, officeholder, awardee and honoree.

How do you use "Candidate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Candidate" in a sentence: "each candidate for town council was allowed to speak at the candidates' forum".

Is "Candidate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Candidate" is a noun.

Is "Candidate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Candidate" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Candidate"?

"Candidate" is pronounced /ˈkan-də-ˌdāt/ and divided into syllables as can·di·date.