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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of social democrat

First recorded in 1875–80

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

EU social democrat lawmaker Rene Repasi, who will spearhead negotiations with European capitals on a final version of the law, has already included a raft of worker-friendly proposals in his draft report.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

“That changed everything,” said David Brauer, a retired journalist who wrote for Minneapolis publications and who identifies as a center-left social democrat.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2025

But an increasing number of Reeves's fellow MPs across Labour's political spectrum - from social democrat to hard left - are now begging to differ.

From BBC ● May 24, 2025

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

As a social democrat, I may wish sincerely to do them good, but, confound it, to wish to do them good is an impertinence.

From Money Magic A Novel by Hamlin Garland

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