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
Rybakina is a two-time Miami Open runner-up in 2023 and 2024.
—
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
The Coogs have made seven straight Sweet 16s, with an Elite Eight and two Final Fours, including last year’s runners-up finish.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Eagles’ reigning state champion girls posted 594 points to beat runner-up Clovis West (440).
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
The deal announced Sunday for last season's NL Cy Young Award runner-up begins in 2027 and will run through 2032 with a club option for 2033.
—ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner-up
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Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
The Coogs have made seven straight Sweet 16s, with an Elite Eight and two Final Fours, including last year’s runners-up finish.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The Eagles’ reigning state champion girls posted 594 points to beat runner-up Clovis West (440).
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
The deal announced Sunday for last season's NL Cy Young Award runner-up begins in 2027 and will run through 2032 with a club option for 2033.
—ABC News, 22 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 31 Mar. 2026.
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