1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
The same can’t be said of most other contenders in the National League.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Servite could be a state title contender, but despite its sprinter success, the Friars fell short to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame for the Division 3 team title.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
The extravagant international songwriting competition has millions of devoted fans worldwide, with viewers allowed to vote for their favorites in the bid for the top contender (to be verified by officials backstage).
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 May 2025
The Knicks finally look like contenders — like a team that can absorb a haymaker and answer with one even heavier.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Servite could be a state title contender, but despite its sprinter success, the Friars fell short to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame for the Division 3 team title.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
The extravagant international songwriting competition has millions of devoted fans worldwide, with viewers allowed to vote for their favorites in the bid for the top contender (to be verified by officials backstage).
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 May 2025
The Knicks finally look like contenders — like a team that can absorb a haymaker and answer with one even heavier.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
The 2022 All-Star Game starter for the AL, McClanahan was an emerging Cy Young candidate before a back injury, Tommy John surgery and a triceps injury that has delayed his return this season.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
These initial filters help save valuable time by weeding out candidates who aren't truly committed.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Rather than developing models from the ground up, these organizations refine and enhance existing AI platforms with unique datasets that competitors lack.—
Dr. TJ Jiang,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Take-Two and EA are direct competitors, however, so the company would need to tread carefully.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
On the May 5 episode, contestants chose from a slate of songs selected for them by each judge.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
-
The preliminary round, which included contestants for Miss Maine USA and Miss Maine Teen USA, lasted barely 45 minutes.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
That was the worry among some of the Los Angeles Kings’ faithful – and a source of joy among fans of their rivals – as Holland was introduced as the Kings’ general manager on Thursday.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
If Boasberg buys Meta's argument that TikTok is actually Meta's biggest rival—and not Snap or MeWe—Meta could have an easier time shutting down the case.—
Ashley Belanger – May 16,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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