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

Moore writes that BlackRock’s Rick Rieder, a current front-runner, has decades of investment experience and his nomination could calm uncertain markets. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

But Nini needs a pop and a real story line soon, because the other three front-runners are gaining on her by the week. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026

The Diamondbacks would love to get him back and are considered the front-runners to re-sign him (and wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick to do it). —Jim Bowden, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, the film previously believed to be this year’s best-picture front-runner, is nipping at Sinners’ heels with 13 nominations of its own. —Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

• forerunner
• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• runner
• tonner