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

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

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

From Reuters • Jul. 14, 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

Heriot, being a representative of the people and a social democrat of the most advanced type, was supposed to be accessible to every one who desired speech with him.

From The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness