as in contender
one who strives for the same thing as another
the third-party challenger in the presidential election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 challenger
Century could be their top challenger.
—
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Another challenger awaits Friday night in Springfield Central and this is a game the whole state will be watching.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
With Adrian Newey's Aston Martin arrival from Red Bull this year, the team could be expected to create a powerful 2026 title challenger at its Silverstone base, given the aero guru's previous track record.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The defending Big 12 champions are coming off a massive 27-24 road win over Baylor, and this matchup could determine who’s the leading challenger to Texas Tech in the conference.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025
Season 42 continues with Steven Olson returning as champion to face two new challengers.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
All rights reserved The Los Angeles Chargers, not the Denver Broncos, have emerged as the primary challenger to the Kansas City Chiefs’ nine-year reign as AFC West champions.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Another challenger awaits Friday night in Springfield Central and this is a game the whole state will be watching.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
With Adrian Newey's Aston Martin arrival from Red Bull this year, the team could be expected to create a powerful 2026 title challenger at its Silverstone base, given the aero guru's previous track record.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The defending Big 12 champions are coming off a massive 27-24 road win over Baylor, and this matchup could determine who’s the leading challenger to Texas Tech in the conference.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2025
Season 42 continues with Steven Olson returning as champion to face two new challengers.
—Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
All rights reserved The Los Angeles Chargers, not the Denver Broncos, have emerged as the primary challenger to the Kansas City Chiefs’ nine-year reign as AFC West champions.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenger
Noun
-
Heading into next season, there is no question that the Fever will be among the top-tier championship contenders.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
But there are some strong contenders from superstar artists who haven’t always been Academy pets in recent years.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The remaining contestants are placed in the center of a grid of 16 rooms, and asked to find the exit within 15 rounds.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Once the contestants are dismissed from the runway, the judges get more into it.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The bank noted that Rollins has been able to edge out competitors in domestic and international markets due to its high technician retention rate and productivity efforts.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
-
In a call last week, Dispatch President Mike Rothman told Semafor that the company is launching Dispatch Energy, a new editorial product that will cover global energy markets and narratives with less of a focus on climate change than many of its competitors.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Eagles have already delivered some statement wins, pulling away from NFC East rival Dallas, once again defeating the Chiefs and then rallying against a very good Los Angeles Rams team last week.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Meeting remains huge for both state rivals, maybe bigger now for the Seminoles.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Challenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenger. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share