front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce front-runner (audio)
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
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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. 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

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front-runner was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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