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
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Indiana’s defense held the Ducks’ (5-1, 2-1) normally potent offense to 267 yards, sacking Heisman front-runner Dante Moore six times.
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Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is currently the front-runner for New York City mayor, with his closest challenger being formerly disgraced mayor Andrew Cuomo.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Despite a number of proposals, no one solution has emerged as a clear front-runner.
—Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025
Porter’s opponents were quick to criticize the front-runner’s response in the sit-down interview.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
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Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is currently the front-runner for New York City mayor, with his closest challenger being formerly disgraced mayor Andrew Cuomo.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Despite a number of proposals, no one solution has emerged as a clear front-runner.
—Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025
Porter’s opponents were quick to criticize the front-runner’s response in the sit-down interview.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 8 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 17 Oct. 2025.
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