as in contender
one who strives for the same thing as another
the third-party challenger in the presidential election
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Recent Examples of challenger
Feldstein Soto’s challenger in the city attorney’s race, John McKinney, said the public deserves immediate answers.
—
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
In Europe, investors will be looking ahead to the general election in Hungary taking place on Sunday, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is on course to lose to the main challenger party, Fidesz, in what could be the biggest power shift in 16 years.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Guelleh faced a single challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, a former ruling party member, in a race analysts say offered little genuine competition.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
That means challengers must win decisively to overcome them.
—Nick Spicer, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
This time around, the Sacramento Democrat is only facing one challenger, Jagtar Singh, who does not appear to have much of a campaign presence.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2024, DeGette defeated her Republican challenger with 77% of the vote.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Superintendent Stefan Bean, who was appointed by the board in 2024 to fill a vacancy, is facing no challenger in June’s primary election.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
The endorsements came after first quarter fundraising numbers show Goldman trouncing challenger Brad Lander in cash on hand, raking in more than twice as much money.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
In Europe, investors will be looking ahead to the general election in Hungary taking place on Sunday, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is on course to lose to the main challenger party, Fidesz, in what could be the biggest power shift in 16 years.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Guelleh faced a single challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, a former ruling party member, in a race analysts say offered little genuine competition.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
That means challengers must win decisively to overcome them.
—Nick Spicer, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
This time around, the Sacramento Democrat is only facing one challenger, Jagtar Singh, who does not appear to have much of a campaign presence.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
In 2024, DeGette defeated her Republican challenger with 77% of the vote.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Superintendent Stefan Bean, who was appointed by the board in 2024 to fill a vacancy, is facing no challenger in June’s primary election.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
The endorsements came after first quarter fundraising numbers show Goldman trouncing challenger Brad Lander in cash on hand, raking in more than twice as much money.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenger
Noun
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Manning, though, says Sean Payton’s team should be a contender again this fall.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
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The decline in contenders will also likely mean fewer nominations, as the TV Academy bases the number of nominees in a category on how many programs or individuals are submitted.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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The nine contestants competing for a chance to win season 29 of The Voice include Team Legend's Willis, Millevoi and West; Team Adam's Alexia Jayy, Jared Shoemaker and Jeremy Keith; and Team Kelly's JW Griffin, Liv Ciara and Mikenley Brown.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Whether a competitor’s product is accidentally dropped into a cart or a house brand is pushed unfairly, the result is an immediate trust problem.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
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Reigns tossed Punk from the announce table onto the ground as the referee begged for both competitors to get back into the ring.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But critics note Angola still has deep problems with corruption and have questioned if Lourenco’s actions were more aimed at political rivals so as to consolidate his power.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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This year's playoff matchup between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will be the eighth time in history that the cross-state rivals meet in the postseason.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenger. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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