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
Sand is considered the front-runner in a Democratic primary, which is likely to consist of additional challengers with an incumbent like Reynolds out of the picture.
—
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
Boston’s preliminary look is scheduled for Tuesday and the two front-runners are campaigning at top speed.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Though Thornton suffered a season-ending leg injury days after the All-Star break, Golden State has remained competitive, with guard Veronica Burton emerging as a front-runner for the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, as well as a candidate for an All-WNBA team.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
The clear front-runner since his father announced his resignation in July, Burnett previously told the Tribune top focuses will be expanding summer jobs and activities for teens and adding density in the West Side.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
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Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
Boston’s preliminary look is scheduled for Tuesday and the two front-runners are campaigning at top speed.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Though Thornton suffered a season-ending leg injury days after the All-Star break, Golden State has remained competitive, with guard Veronica Burton emerging as a front-runner for the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, as well as a candidate for an All-WNBA team.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
The clear front-runner since his father announced his resignation in July, Burnett previously told the Tribune top focuses will be expanding summer jobs and activities for teens and adding density in the West Side.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 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 13 Sep. 2025.
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