1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another
several contenders competing for the title of the city's best Italian restaurant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contender
Cruzeiro managed a 2-1 home victory, as expected, against Mirassol and Grêmio picked up a 2-1 home win in very impressive fashion against another title contender and big 12 team; Atlético Mineiro.
—
Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Multiple news outlets, including Politico, NPR and Bloomberg, have also reported that Oracle — TikTok’s current US technology partner — is a top contender to take over the app’s US operations.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
With two spots now up for grabs, Fitts separated himself from the other contenders thanks to his improved velocity and impressive overall production.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
The Wolves have repeatedly thrashed the likes of Denver and Phoenix this season, and looked like title contenders in the process.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Multiple news outlets, including Politico, NPR and Bloomberg, have also reported that Oracle — TikTok’s current US technology partner — is a top contender to take over the app’s US operations.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
With two spots now up for grabs, Fitts separated himself from the other contenders thanks to his improved velocity and impressive overall production.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
The Wolves have repeatedly thrashed the likes of Denver and Phoenix this season, and looked like title contenders in the process.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
The last day for the candidates to withdraw names is April 18.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The contest is seemingly a toss-up between the upper tier of candidates and the rest of the pack’s ability to play spoiler by siphoning off votes in what is already a low-turnout district.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Each frame is meticulously plotted by creator Mike White, the writer-director who moonlights as a reality show competitor (two cycles of The Amazing Race with his dad and one on Survivor, solo).—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2025
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It’s only been a year since the local chain opened its DFW Airport location, beating out big-league competitors like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While viewers might assume contestants and judges freely explore their filming locations, the reality is quite different.—
Kimberly Lyn,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The public’s invited to come and gaze at 25 tanks’ worth of koi contestants, learn about the hobby of keeping koi and see the judges in action.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Microchip and rivals such as ON Semiconductor, which soared 21.8% from its lows of the day, have slumped since the market peaked in February, despite semiconductors being excluded from the tariff increases, hurt by concern that the economy would slow and demand for chips would weaken.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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The 34-year-old right-back made his Milan debut on February 2 against city rivals Inter, playing every minute of the 1-1 draw.—
Sam Joseph,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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