contestant

noun

kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
Definition of contestantnext
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another three contestants will compete on live TV for the cash prize

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contestant The ongoing Season 18 premiered on April 19, 2026 with 24 brand-new contestants and judges Andy Allen (also the host), Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026 After not appearing in the list of contestants for the 2026 WNBA All-Star 3-point contest, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu said the WNBA never extended her an official invite to defend her title. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 23 July 2026 His signing came shortly after The Hollywood Reporter reported that Tatum signed with WME, and fellow season eight contestant Jen Terry signed with Motive. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026 Olandria and Vansteenberghe were among a handful of day-one contestants who advanced to the competition’s final episode. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contestant
  1. competitor
  2. contender
  3. challenger
  4. rival
Noun
  • The White House said Canada’s policies gave foreign competitors an unfair advantage.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Sony first brought lawsuits against Udio and its competitor Suno in June 2024 alongside labels Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of competitor
Noun
  • Following a tumultuous term that saw the last Jackson County Executive recalled from office, Jackson County residents will choose from a crowded primary field of contenders for the county’s top seat on August 4.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Without him, the Heat will enter the season facing odds longer than a handful of top contenders - a group of top contenders that now includes Philadelphia.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of contender
Noun
  • Ethan O’Connor seems well positioned for one of those jobs, and the prime challengers for the other are Damari Brown (whose availability is always a question because of the troublesome foot issue) and impressive second-year player Ja’boree Antoine.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • His leading challenger is Daniel Keenan, a construction-company founder and a former forklift operator.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 July 2026
Definition of challenger
Noun
  • That theme stayed true Thursday evening, with the American League Central rivals trading leads until the Tigers (49-54) forged ahead and beat the Royals 4-3 in a series opener at Comerica Park.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Two potential rivals for selection in Meslier and Karl Darlow have already left the club this summer, while Perri finished last season as second choice.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of rival

Browse Nearby Words

contestable
contestant
contestants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contestant. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contestant

Nglish: Translation of contestant for Spanish Speakers

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