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also-ran

noun

Definition of also-rannext
1
as in has-been

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in entrant

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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 The Warriors might be able to keep up with the Timberwolves, Suns, Lakers, or even the Nuggets, but those are also-rans, too. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 May 2026 Smalley and Schmid began the day atop the tournament leaderboard and were now ending as also-rans. — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 18 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
  1. has-been
  2. entrant
  3. entry
Noun
  • That career move quickly fizzled, leaving a sloppy drunk has-been in the debris.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Fans and the industry at large seemed to doubt her viability as a performer and were starting to regard her as a washed-up has-been.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of has-been
Noun
  • One of the entrants for the Festival Poems had been a sham Wordsworthian hymn to the poor flowers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Dohaney is in a competitive market, not just with other mobile providers but with new entrants as well.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • The first pre-production ES-36 aircraft is currently under construction at Heart’s pilot manufacturing plant in Los Angeles, with first flight expected in the second half of 2028 and entry into service in 2031.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The next day, journalists for the three outlets arrived at work to find their entry badges disabled.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of entry

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also-ran
also-rans
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Cite this Entry

“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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