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 In fact, until the end, the fans treated it like a typical late-season Sun game from years past, when the franchise was a perennial playoff contender, cheering, chanting, getting after the refs at all the right moments. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026 The president appeared to be addressing a Semafor report that listed Bessent as a top contender for the new role. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026 Both artists are serious Grammy contenders in marquee categories. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026 Boise State’s season-opening loss came to Oregon, and the Broncos have a win over another possible G6 contender, Memphis, on their schedule, but whichever team claims the CFP spot will have to be as close to perfect as possible. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contender

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender

Noun

Both Abelian and non-Abelian candidate states can produce quasiparticles with e/4 charge, so charge measurements alone cannot distinguish between them.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
Ahead of the election, The Star reached out to both candidates to get their stances on Amendment 6, which was placed on the ballot by a campaign called Respect MO Voters.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of candidate

Noun

Related In the sketch, four of KATSEYE’s six members appear as judges overseeing a new crop of contestants whose journey to pop stardom is much more chaotic than the first season.

— Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2026
Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants must expose their rivals secrets live on air.

— L.M. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

But that may not stop incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman from facing questions about Israel’s war in Gaza during a candidate forum co-hosted by Jewish Federation Los Angeles.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Longtime city councilmember Jayna Karpinski-Costa — a veterinarian and attorney who has twice served as the city’s mayor — seeks another term on Citrus Heights’ city council, but faces a challenger for the 4th District seat.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of challenger

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Style

“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contender

noun

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