contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt 

also ˈkän-ˌte-

1

: one that participates in a contest

2

: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms of contestant

• competitor
• contender
• challenger
• rival

Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins.

The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.

Recent Examples on the Web

The finale features four contestants competing on an American Ninja Warrior–style course, and the other 116 competitors lined up behind them in patriotic jerseys. — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Both contestants have since apologized for wearing the costumes, and Miss Universe Canada released a statement addressing the incident. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Fellow Challenge contestant and Big Brother player Paulie Calafiore, who appeared in Duckworth’s August post, penned a tribute on Instagram, resharing photos from the fan event. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Its contestants enter the competition already identifying as creators and with ambitions to pursue the work professionally. — Jacqueline Jevtich, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for contestant

• decongestant

Kids Definition

contestant

noun

con·​test·​ant

kən-ˈtes-tənt

also ˈkän-ˌtes-

: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant

: one that initiates or participates in a contest