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
The Heat remains aggressive in its pursuit, and The Athletic has reported that Miami is the front-runner.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Shortsleeve, in return, is trying to stay in the race with GOP front-runner Mike Minogue far ahead.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
The front-runner in the Democratic primary is Joe Baldacci, a state senator from Bangor and the brother of John Baldacci, Maine’s former governor.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
Minnetonka and Vionic also have some front-runners for as little as $35.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Shortsleeve, in return, is trying to stay in the race with GOP front-runner Mike Minogue far ahead.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
The front-runner in the Democratic primary is Joe Baldacci, a state senator from Bangor and the brother of John Baldacci, Maine’s former governor.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
Minnetonka and Vionic also have some front-runners for as little as $35.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 June 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 13 Jun. 2026.
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