1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 Tavern The pub grub at The Tavern remains a strong contender for Arsenal FC supporters.
922 W 12th St. (512) 320-8377.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025
For astrophotographers seeking a balance of power and versatility, this telescope is a top contender, though beginners may find its complexity a little daunting.
—Damian Peach, Space.com, 17 July 2025
But refocusing on the denser Eastern seaboard routes, including its popular Florida flights, may be enough to keep this low-cost contender going.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
This year, the race feels far less assured for far fewer contenders.
—EW.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025
For astrophotographers seeking a balance of power and versatility, this telescope is a top contender, though beginners may find its complexity a little daunting.
—Damian Peach, Space.com, 17 July 2025
But refocusing on the denser Eastern seaboard routes, including its popular Florida flights, may be enough to keep this low-cost contender going.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
This year, the race feels far less assured for far fewer contenders.
—EW.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
On Tuesday, two state legislators joined the crowded field of Democratic candidates looking to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
Rabbis and other clergy members in the United States may endorse candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their house of worship’s tax-exempt status, the Internal Revenue Service has decreed.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Costa has not been an active competitor in the UFC.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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Another competitor, Volocopter, was headed in a similar direction before being acquired by Diamond Aircraft Industries, a subsidiary of the Chinese Wanfeng Aircraft Division of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, in March.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Now, a new documentary explores whether the contestants, who tried to lose as much weight as possible, were positively or negatively impacted by the competition.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
22 July 2025
-
Bananas, who's won the show more than any other player, will return in the upcoming season of the franchise, which will feature seasoned contestants and some rookies.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
-
The same could be said for other states threatened by nuclear-armed rivals.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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