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
For this cycle, beginning with drama, many new shows could be serious contenders.
—
Emily Longeretta, Variety, 6 May 2025
During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Trump took aim at former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a top contender early on and one of Barbara Bush’s sons, several times.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 6 May 2025
In his 10 years as a presidential contender Donald Trump has always benefited politically by attacking immigrants, winning support for his promises of a hardline border crackdown.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum $143 NORDSTROM
West stands by Chanel’s latest fragrance as a top contender for summer.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Emily Longeretta, Variety, 6 May 2025
During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Trump took aim at former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a top contender early on and one of Barbara Bush’s sons, several times.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 6 May 2025
In his 10 years as a presidential contender Donald Trump has always benefited politically by attacking immigrants, winning support for his promises of a hardline border crackdown.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum $143 NORDSTROM
West stands by Chanel’s latest fragrance as a top contender for summer.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
Public opinion polls consistently show that Sara is most Filipinos’ preferred candidate to succeed Marcos come 2028, but an impeachment conviction, which requires a two-thirds majority vote, would bar her from public office for good under local law.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
13 May 2025
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The race for the party’s nomination to replace Durbin, who was an ally of Kelly’s, isn’t the first time the seven-term Democratic congresswoman from Matteson has faced off against a candidate backed by the billionaire governor and his political apparatus.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Noun
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However, the trucking company held up well compared to its competitors, with April tonnage estimates down 5.7 percent year over year—an improvement over 6 percent declines seen in January and February.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
8 May 2025
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Then, in August of 2012, the FDA directed Celgene to sell a small amount of Revlimid to a generic competitor.—
David Armstrong,
ProPublica,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
On the May 5 episode, contestants chose from a slate of songs selected for them by each judge.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
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The preliminary round, which included contestants for Miss Maine USA and Miss Maine Teen USA, lasted barely 45 minutes.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Noun
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That was the worry among some of the Los Angeles Kings’ faithful – and a source of joy among fans of their rivals – as Holland was introduced as the Kings’ general manager on Thursday.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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If Boasberg buys Meta's argument that TikTok is actually Meta's biggest rival—and not Snap or MeWe—Meta could have an easier time shutting down the case.—
Ashley Belanger – May 16,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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