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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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
  • Countries that mandate design reforms and age limits open up more space for competition from new entrants who designed their products for safety from the start.
    — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
  • The group also joined the 2026 Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour, performing alongside 20 other standout entrants.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • The database entries do not list any citations or penalties on the inspection-detail pages.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Better entry points often open up months after the IPO, when all the hype has died down.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 22 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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