also-ran

noun

Definition of also-rannext
1
as in has-been

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2
as in entrant

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Dissimilar Words

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 Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race has presented an opportunity for the also-ran candidates to surge into contention. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 The thinktank session was held at the rambling 40-acre Mettawa estate of another presidential also-ran, Adlai Stevenson II. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 The past master of the universe is an economic colossus but, strategically, its civilization is an also-ran. — Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026 Six years before Maye was drafted, Darnold was selected third overall, too, by an AFC East also-ran. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
  1. has-been
  2. entrant
  3. entry
Noun
  • In the Seventies, he was mocked as a Vegas has-been in a jumpsuit; in the Eighties, as a cultural colonizer.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Ken Blake Brea Sorry to see Jerry Neuheisel leave UCLA to join traitor and coaching has-been Chip Kelly at Northwestern.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Definition of has-been
Noun
  • Before the round of 16 got underway, nine of the 10 fastest goals were from the group stage, with only Mohamed Saber’s penalty in Egypt’s shootout win over Australia on Friday night in Dallas being the only entrant from the knockout stage.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Janus is a new entrant to public markets, having debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in March after a $20-per-share initial public offering that valued the company at $840 million.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • Now that space is a market and not just a proving ground, the engineering that was once the whole game is only the cost of entry — and as in any maturing market, most ventures will not make it past that threshold.
    — Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Prosecutors have alleged that Millete physically abused May, pointing to her past journal entries.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of entry

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Cite this Entry

“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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