contender

contender

noun

Definition of CONTENDER

1

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award <a strong contender for the mayoral position>

Synonyms applicant, applier, aspirant, campaigner, contender, expectant, hopeful, prospect, seeker

Related Words competitor, contestant, entrant, entry, favorite, qualifier; dark horse, spoiler, stalking horse; crown prince, favorite son; claimant, pretender; nominee, running mate

Near Antonyms incumbent, officeholder; awardee, honoree, inductee; dropout

Antonyms noncandidate

2

one who strives for the same thing as another <several contenders competing for the title of the city's best Italian restaurant>

Synonyms challenger, competition, contender, contestant, corrival, rival

Related Words archrival; finalist, semifinalist; also-ran, entrant, entry, player; adversary, antagonist, opponent

Antonyms noncompetitor