also-ran

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of also-ran Over 14 seasons, the versatile forward added 20-plus pounds to his frame and found ways to contribute as the Edmonton Oilers morphed from also-rans to championship contenders. Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 My shoes were still in the window at Burch’s, at the center of the display, with clogs around them on lower platforms, also-rans to my winner. Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025 Listen to the podcast in full, and hear more of our favorites and also-rans from Venice and Telluride, below. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 The Hoosiers were an also-ran for decades, with one Rose Bowl appearance ever and one winning record in a non-COVID-19 season since 1995. Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
Noun
  • DiCaprio makes a great, vital has-been, squinting at the horrors around him in disbelief, but mostly, driven by the need to protect his child.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
  • And as alcoholic has-been Morris, Matthau was fantastically slovenly and cynical, an anti–role model for the ages.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the allegations, the USTR determined that China uses state subsidies to lessen competition and create dependencies on the country for non-market entrants.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In contrast, Starbucks’ rivals, such as Dunkin’ and the Chinese new entrant Luckin Coffee, have embraced the grab-and-go customers.
    Vivek Astvansh, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The latest deals include a new adaptation in the Middle East and North Africa region, airing on MBC — spanning 23 territories and reaching over 150 million weekly viewers — and a landmark first entry into Asia, where Nippon TV will bring the show to Japan.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Also, don’t try to block the entry to the nest that’s in a wall or behind shutters because angry yellowjackets can chew through wallboard to escape and emerge indoors, says Crawley.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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