also-ran

noun

Definition of also-rannext
1
as in has-been

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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 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
  • For years, monthly job gains of around 125,000 to 150,000 were considered necessary to offset entrants into the workforce.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Suppliers have huge bargaining power; price competition is fierce as is pressure to innovate; the cost for new entrants to participate is dropping; and customers face low switching costs and a strong incentive to find the best value.
    — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • But analysts see the slide as an attractive entry point for investors, highlighting the company's scalable licensing model and the potential for licensees to benefit from the next wave of data center growth.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Every current season ticket holder will be automatically entered into a random drawing for the promotion, with every season ticket counting as an entry.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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