as in contender
one who strives for the same thing as another
the third-party challenger in the presidential election
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Recent Examples of challenger
María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, did not run herself but backed Edmundo González, a relatively unknown diplomat who emerged as the primary challenger to President Nicolás Maduro.
—
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
The Challenger’s Edge Being a challenger brand isn’t just about being smaller.
—Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
The Democrats’ restless post-Biden mood is impacting race after race, and incumbents who’ve been in office since before their challengers were born look unusually vulnerable.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Cohen easily trounced his primary challengers last year, with the closest runner-up, Corey Strong, trailing him by more than 50 points.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
Season 42 continues on Thursday with Tj Fisher returning as champion to face two new challengers.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
So far, the primary fight has been bitterly fought between Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, with a second Republican challenger increasing the odds of a runoff next May.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
His coalition fell apart, and, in an intra-party election held to succeed him, Marin won by three votes against a more centrist male challenger.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
With a new coach, a new offensive coordinator and an ascending quarterback, the Patriots looked like a legitimate challenger to Buffalo in their 23-20 victory.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
The Challenger’s Edge Being a challenger brand isn’t just about being smaller.
—Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
The Democrats’ restless post-Biden mood is impacting race after race, and incumbents who’ve been in office since before their challengers were born look unusually vulnerable.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Cohen easily trounced his primary challengers last year, with the closest runner-up, Corey Strong, trailing him by more than 50 points.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
Season 42 continues on Thursday with Tj Fisher returning as champion to face two new challengers.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
So far, the primary fight has been bitterly fought between Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, with a second Republican challenger increasing the odds of a runoff next May.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
His coalition fell apart, and, in an intra-party election held to succeed him, Marin won by three votes against a more centrist male challenger.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
With a new coach, a new offensive coordinator and an ascending quarterback, the Patriots looked like a legitimate challenger to Buffalo in their 23-20 victory.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenger
Noun
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There are a few bags that stand out as favorites among flight crews, and one of the leading contenders is majorly discounted at Amazon right now.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Oct. 2025
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The 32-year-old would be a helpful third-line pickup for a playoff contender as a rental.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In choosing the contestants, Ramsay scoured the country for the best home, pro and social media bakers, from different backgrounds and levels of expertise, according to Fox.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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The contestant who shows the most star quality wins a life-changing cash prize and a contract to join a reputable sports brand as a fitness instructor or ambassador.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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During that time, CBS’ viewership has aged and declined, and its digital operation has lagged behind nimbler competitors, even as other television networks have found some limited success in the worlds of podcasting and digital video.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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And a fierce competitor is nipping at the agency’s heels.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Certainly not in the form of Thursday’s loss, when avoidable mental lapses, defensive breakdowns and turnovers cost the Red Wings two early points against a divisional (and possible wild card) rival.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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The confrontations, while risking a broader conflict, also pose a geopolitical opportunity for India, which has cautiously sought to improve relations with the Taliban, perhaps filling the diplomatic hole left by its regional rival, Pakistan, analysts said.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenger. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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