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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
  1. has-been
  2. entrant
  3. entry
Noun
  • Brett Goldstein’s seething has-been, Roy Kent, has replaced Ted as the men’s coach; Beard (co-creator Brendan Hunt) stuck around to assist Roy but has gone feral in the absence of his professional soulmate.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of has-been
Noun
  • To date, astronomers have found more than 6,300 of these alien worlds orbiting other stars, with new entrants to our exoplanetary catalogs arriving practically every day.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The real test will come as some of the new Hollywood entrants to the vertical space really get going with their more polished releases.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • And despite the high barrier to entry for non-aerospace businesses, new companies are getting in on the action.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Jordan’s Ferrari represents Joopiter’s entry into the surging high-end collector-car market.
    — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 26 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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