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

California's gubernatorial race began with a crowded field of candidates and no apparent front-runner, with Becerra and Hilton ultimately emerging from the June primary as the top-two vote-getters. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Later, on social media, Gunn responded to a fan’s query regarding those rumored to be front-runners for the Batman role. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Yotova, a 62-year-old journalist and former member of the European Parliament, is the country's incumbent president and a front-runner in the race. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Bulgaria’s incumbent president is a front-runner Yotova, a 62-year-old journalist and former member of the European Parliament, is the country’s incumbent president and a front-runner in the race. — CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

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