challengers

plural of challenger
as in competitors
one who strives for the same thing as another the third-party challenger in the presidential election

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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 challengers Questions remain over how the Premier League could create competitive balance, given the vast differences in spending ability between its biggest clubs and smaller challengers. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026 This story focuses on the election for the nonpartisan Soil and Water Conservation District, which features incumbent Barbara Bleiweis and challengers Michael Betterly, Mackenzie Pearce and Long Tran. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 One leg up luxury brands have on these challengers, though, is resources. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 Being added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee target list does not necessarily mean Democratic challengers will receive an influx of money from the DCCC. — Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 That unease is eroding faith in political leaders and fueling calls for upheaval across the spectrum, from young conservatives to students backing progressive challengers in Michigan. — Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 One Elk Grove City Council race is on the ballot this November, after two other races were canceled and the incumbents were appointed to new terms because no challengers filed to run. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Such commitments were cast as small fry by some challengers and on Tuesday, Burnham announced fresh details about his policy plans. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 Among the 21 races CNBC analyzed, six challengers led incumbents in cash, but none had twice as much money as the sitting member. — Luke Fountain,gabriel Cortés, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challengers
Noun
  • The Cook Mixer then selects which competitors will step forward and take on the challenge.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Apotheke Bergamot Tangerine Candle Unlike its competitors, Apotheke uses 15–18% fragrance oils (more than three times the amount commonly used in scented candles).
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In a defining game that many thought would expose problems masked by UCLA’s early-season success, the Bruins — though imperfect — vociferously announced their arrival to the college football world as legitimate playoff contenders.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • By the end of spring, four main contenders emerged in sophomores Buchanan and SJ Alofaituli and freshmen Congdon and Jackson Cantwell.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the crew still see the show as something to be proud of, even if the contestants were traumatized by it.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Accompanied by the Name That Tune Live Band and led by a celebrity host, contestants race against the clock (and each other) to identify legendary tracks across various genres and eras.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, overall guitar sales have been in slight but years-long decline so growth has to come at rivals’ expense.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • As with other aspects of the company, Lauder is continually forging new ways of working to increase speed-to-market and give it a competitive edge over rivals.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Challengers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challengers. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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