1
as in candidates
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 competitors
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 contenders
Typically some time in January, the composer begins researching top awards contenders and toying with recognizable melodies from their scores.
—
Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The 98th Academy Awards are set to be awarded this weekend, and Sacramento is well-represented among contenders for the top prize of the night.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
The Astros signed Altuve to a long-term extension in 2013, years before the club again became contenders.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Still haven't seen Academy Award contenders 'One Battle After Another' or 'Sinners'?
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Usually, when the Best Picture race goes down to the wire, the two main contenders are a study in contrasts.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Anti-interventionist voices in Washington are reconsidering their expectation that Vance — among the top contenders for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination — would stand up against more hawkish instincts.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Even with Colleyville Heritage taking a loss and Birdville and Argyle drawing since the last rankings, the rankings stay put with no new team emerging contenders for the Top 10.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
The City of Trees was one of the top five contenders for the title, WalletHub said.
—Hali Smith
march 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The 98th Academy Awards are set to be awarded this weekend, and Sacramento is well-represented among contenders for the top prize of the night.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
The Astros signed Altuve to a long-term extension in 2013, years before the club again became contenders.
—Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Still haven't seen Academy Award contenders 'One Battle After Another' or 'Sinners'?
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Usually, when the Best Picture race goes down to the wire, the two main contenders are a study in contrasts.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Anti-interventionist voices in Washington are reconsidering their expectation that Vance — among the top contenders for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination — would stand up against more hawkish instincts.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Even with Colleyville Heritage taking a loss and Birdville and Argyle drawing since the last rankings, the rankings stay put with no new team emerging contenders for the Top 10.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
The City of Trees was one of the top five contenders for the title, WalletHub said.
—Hali Smith
march 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contenders
Noun
-
Other Democratic Senate candidates have mentioned tariffs to a lesser extent.—
Taylor Millard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Just months remaining until the California gubernatorial election, and CBS California is teaming up with local organizations for a live debate with the race's top candidates.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Harris entered the race with a $4 million backing, according to FEC filings, a staggering amount compared to his competitors.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The key points of the settlement include an over $200-million payment, a divestment from some amphitheaters, a gradual end to exclusive ticketing contracts with venues, and opening up Ticketmaster’s platform to competitors.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe the closest thing the movie has to a thesis comes when one of the contestants flies a drone to the sisters and tries to offer a compromise via a loophole in the rules that could spare all of them, if Grace is willing to make a repugnant sacrifice.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The contestants get voted off one by one, at which point the celebs are literally unmasked as fans squeal in delight.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With fewer financial resources than her rivals, Kelly aired one of her campaign’s few TV ads Tuesday, casting herself as above the fray of her bickering opponents.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Today, Lincoln specializes in premium SUVs and crossovers, positioning itself as a premier American luxury brand competing with Cadillac and international rivals like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Volvo, and Acura.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Season 42 continues on Monday with Jamie Ding returning as champion to face two new challengers.—
USA TODAY Staff,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
-
His two Democratic challengers are Ahmed Karrar of Orland Park and Kenny Williams of Chicago.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contenders. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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