as in competitors
one who strives for the same thing as another
the third-party challenger in the presidential election
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Recent Examples of challengers
Despite significant criticism for her handling of the city’s 2025 wildfires, LA mayor leads in her race for re-election, a new poll shows, in part due to the fact that top-tier challengers decided not to run.
—
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
On the June 2 primary ballot, Weber faces three challengers.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Speakers call for Democratic challengers While Saturday’s signs took wide aim, the messages coming from the event’s speakers were decidedly local.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
In deep blue Massachusetts, the governor has seen numerous favorable voter polls, including a recent UNH Survey Center poll giving her a massive lead over her three Republican challengers in the 2026 election.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The incumbent clerk with strong ties to the local Democratic Party faces two challengers who criticize insider politics.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
More than a week out from the primary, the dust seems to have settled for two Lake County Board primaries, with District 14 incumbent Esiah Campos and Republican District 17 nominee Joe Salvi heading to face their November challengers.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Leftist candidate wins Paris mayoral race The French left won the Paris mayor’s race, one of a number of blows to far-right and center-right challengers in nationwide municipal polls.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Two center-right challengers hoped to oust Frederiksen as prime minister.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
On the June 2 primary ballot, Weber faces three challengers.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Speakers call for Democratic challengers While Saturday’s signs took wide aim, the messages coming from the event’s speakers were decidedly local.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
In deep blue Massachusetts, the governor has seen numerous favorable voter polls, including a recent UNH Survey Center poll giving her a massive lead over her three Republican challengers in the 2026 election.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The incumbent clerk with strong ties to the local Democratic Party faces two challengers who criticize insider politics.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
More than a week out from the primary, the dust seems to have settled for two Lake County Board primaries, with District 14 incumbent Esiah Campos and Republican District 17 nominee Joe Salvi heading to face their November challengers.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Leftist candidate wins Paris mayoral race The French left won the Paris mayor’s race, one of a number of blows to far-right and center-right challengers in nationwide municipal polls.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Two center-right challengers hoped to oust Frederiksen as prime minister.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challengers
Noun
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In the first episode’s Elimination Challenge‚ which was focused on North Carolina’s state vegetable, sweet potatoes — Cochran cooked up a pork loin in the kitchen at La Belle Helene that wasn’t quite cooked through, landing her in the bottom three competitors.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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To help resolve these dilemmas, European industry leaders are calling for government support, including subsidies and tax breaks, to level the playing field with Chinese competitors whose products come at unbeatable prices.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Moore spoke at the Maryland statehouse for the premiere of NPR's Newsmakers, a new video podcast featuring high-profile interviews with leaders across society, from business figures to athletes to presidential contenders.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
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The state's liberal majority is split among eight Democratic contenders.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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During the call, the producers reminded the contestants that they are bound by their one-year contracts.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2026
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Jordan also describes stereotyping on set, recalling producers reducing her to racial tropes, while adding that Black contestants who approached Barker would sometimes be met with visible discomfort.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Dublin congressman told KRON that the White House hopes to discredit him in the race as a frequent critic and to boost the chances of his Republican rivals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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But, despite the lightning speed at which the Chinese AI industry is moving, it’s still seen to be playing catch-up with its American rivals.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challengers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challengers. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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