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
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
Like Mitchell, the 24-year-old Hopkins joins a title contender in the Nuggets.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2026
Other top contenders include victory in World War II and the moon landing.
—
Kaylah Jackson,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Their goals, which included a best of the tournament contender from Wilson Isidor, and the celebrations that followed them will be long remembered by those who were at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contender
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2026
Other top contenders include victory in World War II and the moon landing.
—
Kaylah Jackson,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Their goals, which included a best of the tournament contender from Wilson Isidor, and the celebrations that followed them will be long remembered by those who were at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
Although researchers have not determined their origin, many consider Cheyava Falls one of the strongest potential biosignature candidates discovered on Mars.
-
The results in New York affirm that socialists are on the rise and likely will field a presidential candidate in 2028.
Noun
-
Turning to larger athletic shoe players, prospects are mixed as smaller competitors inch ahead.
-
While art remains the primary business for Sotheby’s and its competitors, sports memorabilia and other collectibles have quickly become important categories as the major houses work to broaden their collector bases.
Noun
-
Instead, another contestant was named the winner.
-
First performed as an Edinburgh Fringe one-off, where contestants included a bunch of Horne’s comedian friends, Taskmaster has grown into a genuine phenomenon.
Noun
-
In what felt like an absolute fever dream, the PIX 11 studio team was talking to reporter Steve Gelbs before a game against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies.
-
Escalating violence Sydney’s western suburbs are ground zero for a turf war that’s seen criminal gangs shoot up rivals’ homes, ignite cars and businesses, kidnap and kill associates and terrorize their families.
Noun
-
In his most recent outing, Kape knocked out former UFC flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval in December.
-
The mayor has used his political capital instead to back challengers who, by definition, can deliver less federal funding.
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
