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
Miami and Ohio State are considered the early front-runners.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
California’s primary election is officially one week away, and for many voters, political uncertainty remains thanks to a lack of clear front-runners, redrawn political maps and party infighting.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
What happens next should be asked of another club, Chelsea, who were front-runners to sign Shaw — presumably as a replacement for legendary striker Sam Kerr.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The two finished atop a crowded field that also featured Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who both struggled to break through in a GOP contest overshadowed by the feud between the two front-runners.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
California’s primary election is officially one week away, and for many voters, political uncertainty remains thanks to a lack of clear front-runners, redrawn political maps and party infighting.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
What happens next should be asked of another club, Chelsea, who were front-runners to sign Shaw — presumably as a replacement for legendary striker Sam Kerr.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The two finished atop a crowded field that also featured Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who both struggled to break through in a GOP contest overshadowed by the feud between the two front-runners.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
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 29 May. 2026.
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