Contestant vs. Candidate — What's the Difference?

A contestant is someone who takes part in a competition, usually a professional competition or a game show on television. The participants competing against each other have to go through rounds.

A candidate, or nominee, is the prospective recipient of an award or honor, or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position; for example: to be elected to an office — in this case a candidate selection procedure occurs. to receive membership in a group"Nomination" is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office by a political party, or the bestowing of an honor or award.

One taking part in a contest; a competitor.

A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.

One that contests or disputes something, such as an election or a will.

A student who has nearly completed the requirements for a degree.

A participant in a contest; specifically, a person who plays a game, as on a TV game show.

One that seems likely to gain a certain position or come to a certain fate

One who brings a legal challenge.

A person who is running in an election.

One who contests; an opponent; a litigant; a disputant; one who claims that which has been awarded to another.

A person who is applying for a job.

A person who participates in competitions

A participant in an examination.

A person who dissents from some established policy

Something or somebody that may be suitable.

(genetics) A gene which may play a role in a given disease.

(uncommon) To stand as a candidate for an office, especially a religious one.

To make or name (something) a candidate (for use, for study as a next project, for investigation as a possible cause of something, etc).

One who offers himself, or is put forward by others, as a suitable person or an aspirant or contestant for an office, privilege, or honor; as, a candidate for the office of governor; a candidate for holy orders; a candidate for scholastic honors.

A politician who is running for public office

Someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)