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

Chalamet was the apparent front-runner early in the season, having won best actor trophies from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026

Penn, who delivers a volatile, darkly comic performance in Anderson’s sprawling political thriller, emerged as the race’s front-runner after a surprise victory at the BAFTA Awards and the Actor Awards, whose voting body overlaps heavily with the motion picture academy. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026

This year’s ceremony managed to celebrate two equally beloved front-runners. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

For months, Chalamet was seen as the front-runner to finally take home the Oscar after previously being nominated twice before. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

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