social democrat

American  

noun

1. a person who advocates a gradual transition to socialism or a modified form of socialism by and under democratic political processes.

2. Social Democrat. (especially in Europe) a member of any of certain Social Democratic parties.

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social democrat British  

noun

1. any socialist who believes in the gradual transformation of capitalism into democratic socialism

2. (usually capital) a member of a Social Democratic Party

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Etymology

Origin of social democrat

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does social-democrat compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• social democrat vs. democratic socialism

Example Sentences

Reid added that she was a social democrat who believed in "freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections" and was not any sort of "admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party's dictatorship".

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Last month it said its founder, former social democrat politician Ilija Batljan, was stepping down as CEO.

From Reuters • Jul. 14, 2023

Arévalo, 64, is a social democrat and campaigned on social justice themes as well as restoring the rule of law and separation of powers.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 26, 2023

She was first lady during the 2008-2012 presidency of social democrat Álvaro Colom, until they divorced in 2011.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2023

By a unanimous voice the people condemned the ex-emperor and the social democrat to perpetual banishment from church services, or to perpetual labor as galley-slaves in the whale-boat—whichever they might prefer.

From Alonzo Fitz and Other Stories by Twain, Mark