1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another
several contenders competing for the title of the city's best Italian restaurant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contender
Potential contenders include Bon Iver’s Sable, Fable, FKA Twigs’ Eusexua, Laufey’s A Matter of Time, Tyler Childers’ Snipe Hunter and Dijon’s Baby.
—
Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The song’s popularity has made the Atlantic Records artist a pop star — and a contender for several Grammy nominations, including best new artist.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
So, stating the obvious, here are two teams that were considered Super Bowl contenders — if not favorites — entering the year.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
But their eight-game Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, starting Saturday at the Florida State Seminoles (7:30 p.m., ABC), will play a defining role in Miami’s quest to be a College Football Playoff contender in coach Mario Cristobal’s fourth season leading his alma mater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The song’s popularity has made the Atlantic Records artist a pop star — and a contender for several Grammy nominations, including best new artist.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
So, stating the obvious, here are two teams that were considered Super Bowl contenders — if not favorites — entering the year.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
But their eight-game Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, starting Saturday at the Florida State Seminoles (7:30 p.m., ABC), will play a defining role in Miami’s quest to be a College Football Playoff contender in coach Mario Cristobal’s fourth season leading his alma mater.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
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In one of the videos, candidates are seen on the catwalk when the earthquake hits.—
Rajeev Tyagi,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The right candidate will discuss their holistic approach to meeting your financial goals, rather than immediately pushing products.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The paper has also decided to chart a very different course on editorials from its closest competitor.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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As mentioned above, the less-expensive Yubico Security Key NFC—and some competitors—only support the tap-to-authenticate form of MFA.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Peiliker, the oldest contestant in 2025, is one year older than Beatrice Njoya, who became the oldest contestant at Miss Universe in 2024.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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The game show, for example, can have fresh clues and contestants every day, or Change My Mind can see the user debate an AI competitor on a fresh topic that changes frequently.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In front of the West Stand press box, fans sang and danced together to Spirit of the Blues and Singing the Blues — the latter a reference to rivals Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Georgie, meanwhile, seeks to buy the auto shop after Jim considers selling it to a local rival, Fred Fagenbacher (Matt Letscher).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sora 2 is an AI video generator, a TikTok challenger, and a social network all in one.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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Primary challengers enter the fray The backlash against Cunningham’s votes and comments extends into the upcoming 2026 election cycle.—
Mary Ramsey
October 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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