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

“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

Rutte‘s 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 Washington Times • Nov. 22, 2023

But the company, founded by a former social democrat politician Ilija Batljan, built up vast debts buying public property including social housing, government offices, schools and hospitals.

From Reuters • Jul. 13, 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 Garland, Hamlin