runner-up
noun
run·ner-up
ˈrə-nər-ˌəp 
ˌrə-nər-ˈəp
plural runners-up
ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp
ˌrə-nərz-ˈəp
also runner-ups
: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest
especially
: one that finishes in second place
Examples of runner-up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
She’d still have something special without it, but who can deny the magic of a reality-TV runner-up to Oscar front-runner story?
—
Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
The Patriots won the title in 2022 and have finished runner-up, fourth and fifth in subsequent years as the state’s most consistent girls program.
—Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Marzullo was the clear runner-up in early returns, accruing just under one-third of the vote in early returns.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Anthony batted seventh, right behind AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh and just ahead of Twins star Byron Buxton.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
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Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
The Patriots won the title in 2022 and have finished runner-up, fourth and fifth in subsequent years as the state’s most consistent girls program.
—Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Marzullo was the clear runner-up in early returns, accruing just under one-third of the vote in early returns.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Anthony batted seventh, right behind AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh and just ahead of Twins star Byron Buxton.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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