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
In the main event, recent UFC featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes faces the surging Jean Silva, who is undefeated since joining the UFC in 2024.
—
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
As part of the agreement, Carlyle branding will be featured on the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 challenger and across key team assets, including the car chassis, drivers’ team kit, pit wall and garage environment.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Every 50 years, the gates between the two open, allowing 50 challengers to embark on a deadly quest to traverse between them.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The buzz around the EV industry with new challengers entering the market could usher in a new chapter in India's auto history.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Costa has served on the board since 2012, winning her seat in a landslide (58%) against challengers Jennifer Morgan (33%) and Mohammad Sharif (7%).
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Her challengers have highlighted these controversies as evidence the city is due for a changing of the guard.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Potential challengers are also eyeing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose district also supported Mamdani in June.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Two districts saw incumbents face a single challenger, District 6 Councilor Benjamin Weber and District 9 Councilor Liz Breadon, meaning both candidates automatically moved to the general election in November.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
As part of the agreement, Carlyle branding will be featured on the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 challenger and across key team assets, including the car chassis, drivers’ team kit, pit wall and garage environment.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Every 50 years, the gates between the two open, allowing 50 challengers to embark on a deadly quest to traverse between them.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The buzz around the EV industry with new challengers entering the market could usher in a new chapter in India's auto history.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Costa has served on the board since 2012, winning her seat in a landslide (58%) against challengers Jennifer Morgan (33%) and Mohammad Sharif (7%).
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Her challengers have highlighted these controversies as evidence the city is due for a changing of the guard.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Potential challengers are also eyeing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose district also supported Mamdani in June.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Two districts saw incumbents face a single challenger, District 6 Councilor Benjamin Weber and District 9 Councilor Liz Breadon, meaning both candidates automatically moved to the general election in November.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenger
Noun
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There still isn’t a ton of pressure on Canales to win at a contender-level clip but not reaching at least a two-game improvement would be a massive disappointment.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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After a first sampling of every contender, the group established the front-runners.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The format grants viewers unprecedented control over programming elements, from influencing contestant challenges involving current events and social issues to deciding elimination outcomes and performance selections.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But on Friday, after losing in straight sets to Alcaraz, having done so to Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic, the archest of arch-competitors, effectively hoisted the white flag.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Meeting other competitors from across the country and hearing their stories has given Parker a deeper appreciation for our country.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the Packers dominated a team that’s become one of their biggest rivals in recent years.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Sinner and Alcaraz’s nominally closest rival is Djokovic, who reached the semifinals of all four majors this year, and did at least post that one victory against Alcaraz.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenger. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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