politician
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for politician, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use politician
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From politic + the suffix -ian.
Full origin of politician →Frequently asked questions
What does “politician” mean?
The word “politician” means a person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office. In plain terms, someone who works in government, or, informally, someone who plays social/office politics skillfully.
How do you pronounce “politician”?
“Politician” is pronounced pol-ih-TIHSH-uhn (/ˌpɑ.ləˈtɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “politician” in a sentence?
Here is “politician” used in a sentence: “The politician promised to lower taxes if elected.”
What is another word for “politician”?
Words with a similar meaning to “politician” include politico.
What part of speech is “politician”?
“Politician” is a noun.
Is “politician” a common word?
“Politician” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “politician” have?
“Politician” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who holds or seeks elected or appointed government office.
What is the difference between a politician and a statesman?
Both hold or seek public office, but 'politician' is a neutral or sometimes negative term for anyone active in political life. 'Statesman' is a respectful term for an experienced, principled leader admired for wisdom and for putting the public good first.
What is the difference between a politician and a diplomat?
A politician holds or seeks elected or appointed government office, usually within their own country's politics. A diplomat represents that country's interests abroad and manages relations with other nations, often as an appointed rather than elected official.
Why is 'politician' sometimes used as an insult?
Beyond its literal meaning, 'politician' can describe someone skilled or overly focused on maneuvering for advantage within an organization. Used this way, it suggests self-interest and manipulation rather than genuine public service.
What is the difference between a politician and a policymaker?
A politician holds or seeks government office and is often chosen by election. A policymaker is anyone who helps shape official policy, which can include unelected officials and advisers, so not every policymaker is a politician.