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

Summary Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is a legitimate contender for the 2026 National League MVP, with Shohei Ohtani posing the primary threat. — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Nine 2025 playoff teams begin the season in the top 10, while Lake Zurich, Warren, Antioch and Wauconda look like the leading contenders in their conferences. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Last among the contenders in this division are the reigning champs, who are now led by Mike McCarthy. — Austin Mock, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Although not the prohibitive favorite in the SEC, the Tide are still College Football Playoff contenders and are itching for some payback. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 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