front-runner
noun
front-run·ner
ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner
Examples of front-runner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Upping the ante, Ramy Youssef showed up as front-runner Zohran Mamdani.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2025
With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Kyle Shanahan should be the front-runner for Coach of the Year if this team makes the playoffs.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The election's two front-runners have both pledged to make improvements in education, including strengthening communication between Detroit's school district and the city.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
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Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2025
With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
—Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Kyle Shanahan should be the front-runner for Coach of the Year if this team makes the playoffs.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The election's two front-runners have both pledged to make improvements in education, including strengthening communication between Detroit's school district and the city.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Cite this Entry
“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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