applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt How to pronounce applicant (audio)
Synonyms of applicantnext
: one who applies
a job applicant

Synonyms of applicant

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Examples of applicant in a Sentence

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job. have numerous applicants for the job
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The test also had one human supervisor for every 150 applicants; supervisors received alerts from the system and could notify UNAM officials about irregularities. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 And so these interviews, that these asylum officers conduct, gives the applicant a place to explain those and talk through them in, again, that non-adversarial environment. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 If employers stop hiring job applicants who lack experience, those same individuals will be shut out from obtaining it. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Every year, more than 100,000 applicants apply for entry and usually between 80% and 90% are rejected. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicant

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -ant entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

circa 1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of applicant was circa 1742

Browse Nearby Words

applicably
applicant
applicate
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Cite this Entry

“Applicant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applicant. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

applicant

noun
ap·​pli·​cant ˈap-li-kənt How to pronounce applicant (audio)
: one who applies for something
an applicant for work

More from Merriam-Webster on applicant

Nglish: Translation of applicant for Spanish Speakers

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