Synonyms of contender

contender

noun

1

as in candidate

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award

a strong contender for the mayoral position

Synonyms & Similar Words

• candidate
• applicant
• nominee
• hopeful
• competitor
• aspirant
• campaigner
• prospect
• seeker
• expectant
• contestant
• entrant
• qualifier
• favorite
• entry
• pretender
• applier
• claimant
• crown prince
• favorite son
• spoiler
• running mate
• stalking horse
• dark horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incumbent
• officeholder
• awardee
• inductee
• honoree
• noncandidate
• dropout

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

• competitor
• contestant
• rival
• challenger
• competition
• finalist
• player
• corrival
• entrant
• entry
• also-ran
• archrival
• opponent
• semifinalist
• adversary
• antagonist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noncompetitor