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

Current Home Secretary Shabhana Mahmood has reportedly emerged as the front-runner for Chancellor in recent days, ahead of Ed Miliband, who currently serves as the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero and was previously tipped for the role. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 July 2026

Miami, which has never won the ACC and only made the championship game once since joining the league in 2004 (a 38-3 loss to Clemson in 2017), is projected to once again be the front-runner to win the league. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

No clear front-runner has emerged from the candidates who have put themselves forward to be considered. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 14 July 2026

Graham was the clear front-runner in the deep-red South Carolina race. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

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