APPLICANT Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

applicant

noun

ˈa-pli-kənt

Definition of applicant

as in candidate

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award have numerous applicants for the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of applicant Once approved, applicants are not allowed to alter their plans without authorization. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 In 2024, Grewal and Sturgis were among the applicants who wanted to be appointed to the City Council to serve the remainder of Worden’s term. — Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 There are currently 159,000 applicants on NYCHA's waitlist, so in an affordable housing shortage, those turnovers become even more important. — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 While applicants with higher credit scores often qualify for lower interest rates and better loan terms, several programs can help borrowers with lower credit scores obtain a mortgage loan. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicant

candidate

Noun

Another candidate, 27-year-old progressive organizer and substitute teacher Elijah Manley, said Republicans’ redistricting ploy is not Wasserman Schultz’s fault.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
But there are only so many roster spots, and Berrios has emerged as a likely candidate to secure one given his versatility on special teams.

— Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of candidate

Browse Nearby Words

applicable

applicant

applicants

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Applicant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of applicant

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on applicant

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

divulge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes