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

See Examples For:

social democrat

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

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

His replacement after 13 years in office could be the country’s first female premier or a social democrat who left his job as the European Union’s climate czar to return to national politics.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 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

I have suffered from as many vipers in my heart as any social democrat of them all—vanity, ambitions, jealousies, shameful desires, evil passions of envy and revenge.

From Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad