CONTENDER Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

contender

noun

kən-ˈten-dər

Definition of contender

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

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

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 contender The dueling leadoff home runs between the top two National League MVP contenders were just the beginning of the fireworks in the Cubs’ 7-6 victory to sweep the Dodgers. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 The transfer portal can transform a contender into a pretender in a single offseason. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 Brown alone was a significant upgrade and made the 76ers, who haven't won an NBA title since 1983, a serious contender to win the East. — CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The other contender for a budget piece is this shaggy rug from IKEA. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender

Noun

The event featured Georgia's congressional, Senate, House, and gubernatorial candidates discussing key economic issues affecting the state and nation.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is a top Republican candidate in the governor's race.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of candidate

Noun

Some investors, though, expressed skepticism on a conference call Monday that Specs will break through in a crowded industry where some of the company’s competitors, like Meta, have a lot more resources.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
Past research has shown that new closers have superior velocity and strikeout rate than their competitors, but unfortunately those metrics are in flux for Smith and Winn.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of competitor

Noun

Now, is using paper towels a little lackluster compared with last year’s Abbott Elementary crossover challenge, where the contestants had to use school supplies?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
But four contestants representing Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Oregon interviewed by USA TODAY the week before the competition appeared overwhelmingly excited, if a little nervous, to convene in Ohio for the games.

— Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

The tit-for-tat brings up echoes of last year, when the rivals were locked in a blistering trade war.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Friday is here and that means all you Competitive Wordle players, playing against your friends, co-workers, rivals, enemies, or against me or the Wordle Bot, must double your points, whether positive or negative.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of rival

Noun

With no Republican challenger, Rogers was able to devote much of the primary campaign to preparing for the fall general election.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Republican Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham leads Democratic challenger Benjamin Flores by 5 points.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026