A candidate is a person who is being considered for a job, position, or office. There are several synonyms for the word "candidate" that can be used interchangeably. These include contender, aspirant, applicant, nominee, prospect, contender, competitor, and hopeful. These words all refer to someone who is in the running for something, whether it be a political role, a job, or a sports competition. Each of these synonyms has its own nuances and connotations, but they all share the same basic definition: someone who is vying for a particular opportunity. Understanding these synonyms can help writers and speakers to convey their message more clearly and precisely.