contender

noun

con·​tend·​er kən-ˈten-dər 

: one that contends

especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor

a heavyweight title contender

the leading presidential contenders

Synonyms of contender

• candidate

Examples of contender in a Sentence

There are several contestants, but only two real contenders.

This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bronin was also endorsed earlier this year by Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020 and is widely viewed as a possible 2028 contender. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Still, Tech has made major investments in improving their program, building a playoff contender, and competing with the best of the best. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The former vice presidential nominee noticeably didn't endorse either contender in this primary. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Stone counts more than two decades of experience, including 14 years spanning Fox and Disney, working on blockbusters, awards contenders, theatrical and streaming fare. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contend + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contender

• bartender
• defender
• engender
• extender
• offender
• pretender
• provender
• surrender
• suspender
• transgender
• bender
• blender