1
as in smuggler
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally
a drug runner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand
sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of runner
After quickly recording two strikeouts, Cruz walked Cardinals outfielder Nathan Church and hit Weatherholt to put two runners aboard.
—
Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Rafael Devers led off the ninth with a walk, then waved a finger toward the dugout in objection to being lifted for a pinch-runner, to no avail.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
For the day, the Rays were 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
New York also went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position and went hitless in its final 24 at-bats with runners in scoring position in the series.
—CBS News, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Rafael Devers led off the ninth with a walk, then waved a finger toward the dugout in objection to being lifted for a pinch-runner, to no avail.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
For the day, the Rays were 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
New York also went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position and went hitless in its final 24 at-bats with runners in scoring position in the series.
—CBS News, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner
Noun
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The tribe had to pay for tow trucks to remove them—as well as for medical care for any smugglers and migrants who were injured in the area, and for autopsies for those who were found dead.—
Geraldo L. Cadava,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
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They are packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
When light disappears in the evening, the pineal gland starts producing melatonin, the molecular messenger of darkness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
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One of the body’s natural defense mechanisms against a virus like COVID or influenza is the release of cytokines, proteins that act as chemical messengers helping to coordinate the immune system’s response.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Noun
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Before working with Firstwork, onboarding workers was chaotic, says courier growth and compliance manager Dasha Tarasenkova.—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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Legitimate emergencies don't require Venmo, wire transfers, or a courier showing up at your door.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runner. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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