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 front-runners all offer a different way forward.
—
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
The list of names that could be called first in the 2026 NFL Draft is still absent a clear front-runner, and no position’s top spot is more open for the taking than quarterback.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The interview itself is brimming with tension, even though Mia’s supposed to be the front-runner.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
The front-runner dropped the family-friendly persona and went full-on sexpot with his shirtless salsa.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
The list of names that could be called first in the 2026 NFL Draft is still absent a clear front-runner, and no position’s top spot is more open for the taking than quarterback.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The interview itself is brimming with tension, even though Mia’s supposed to be the front-runner.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
The front-runner dropped the family-friendly persona and went full-on sexpot with his shirtless salsa.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share