Here are some synonyms for the word "candidacy":
1. Nomination
"Nomination" often refers to the act of formally proposing or putting forward someone as a candidate for a particular position, office, or award. For example, "His nomination for the presidency was widely supported by the party members." It is closely related to "candidacy" as when a person gets nominated, they enter the stage of being a candidate, having the status of candidacy.
2. Applicancy
This term emphasizes the state of applying or being an applicant for something. While it might be more commonly used in contexts like job applications, it can also be related to candidacy when someone applies to be considered for a position or role, similar to having the standing of a candidate. For instance, "Her applicancy for the scholarship was carefully reviewed."
3. Aspirancy
It conveys the idea of having an aspiration or ambition to be a candidate for a certain thing. When someone has an aspirancy, they are aiming for a position and are in a position similar to having candidacy. For example, "His aspirancy for the council seat was known among his colleagues."
4. Contendership
This refers to the state of being a contender or someone who is competing to be chosen for a particular position. It aligns with candidacy as a contender is a candidate in a competitive situation. Such as, "The contendership for the team captain position was fierce among the players."
In summary, these words share similarities with "candidacy" in expressing the idea of being in the position or having the status of a potential person to be chosen for a specific role, office, or opportunity.