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

The movie world premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, went on to play at festivals around the world, and is now being touted by Mubi as a strong contender in the awards race, especially for the best actress category. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025

Affordable, fun, and filled with supporters of the Tennessee Vols, Knoxville is certainly a top contender for the best places to live in the state. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025

With the volleyball title, Carroll has established itself as a contender for the Lone Star Cup, awarded to Texas’ top overall athletic department per classification. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Nov. 2025

But for all of the other occasions, including future chili nights, these Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Rolls will be a strong contender. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2025

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