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
The leading contender is Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah.
—
Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
Several names have already surfaced, but the leading contender is Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, Tatum could represent another obstacle for the Knicks in the wide-open East, where the conference-leading Detroit Pistons and fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers are among the other top contenders.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
The capital found out Wednesday night, when the two-term Montana senator abruptly withdrew from his reelection race just minutes before the candidate filing deadline — preventing a last-minute contender for the now-open seat.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contender
Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
Several names have already surfaced, but the leading contender is Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, Tatum could represent another obstacle for the Knicks in the wide-open East, where the conference-leading Detroit Pistons and fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers are among the other top contenders.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
The capital found out Wednesday night, when the two-term Montana senator abruptly withdrew from his reelection race just minutes before the candidate filing deadline — preventing a last-minute contender for the now-open seat.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
Even with concerns about the party’s approach, the race features viable top-tier candidates with distinct profiles and accomplishments, including several with national profiles and substantial fundraising capacity.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Independent candidate Seth Bodnar entered the race on Wednesday; Democrats will have to decide whether to back him.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Rows of tables were filled with competitors sitting two-by-two, heads down, hands moving quickly but quietly as volunteers paced the aisles.—
Lia Picard,
AJC.com,
2 Mar. 2026
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This was the third launch of operational satellites for Amazon’s broadband internet constellation, which is seeking to become a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink service.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unlike Iditarod contestants, they are allowed outside help.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The very first episode of ANTM subjected the contestants to on-camera Brazilian bikini waxes and then sent them up to a Manhattan roof terrace to pose in swimwear in frigid weather.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The term idols become rivals could apply here, but their brotherhood through their Duke ties keeps their bond strong.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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An eighth-grader at Maranatha Christian School won the county spelling bee Thursday, beating his closest rival after a one-on-one face-off that lasted 13 rounds.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the 2022 general election, Giannoulias won his race with 54% of the vote over his challenger, Republican Dan Brady of Bloomington.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Two incumbents on the nonpartisan Gwinnett County Board of Education will face challengers.—
Cassidy Alexander,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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