front-runner
noun
front-run·ner
ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner
Examples of front-runner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But with both perennial AFC front-runners off to slow starts and in danger of slipping in even deeper holes, the stakes are that much higher.
—
Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Quarterbacks are often the front-runners to win the award and this year looks no different with three stellar candidates leading the race so far.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Releasing the last two pics in the franchise, Lionsgate is the front-runner to land the package.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
But the clear front-runner is Axiom Space, which is nearly finished with the first module of its Axiom Station.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
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Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Quarterbacks are often the front-runners to win the award and this year looks no different with three stellar candidates leading the race so far.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Releasing the last two pics in the franchise, Lionsgate is the front-runner to land the package.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
But the clear front-runner is Axiom Space, which is nearly finished with the first module of its Axiom Station.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Cite this Entry
“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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