Definition of contestantnext
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another three contestants will compete on live TV for the cash prize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 contestant His work also extended to the show’s finale performances, including songs associated with season 8 contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Naomi Smalls and Kim Chi. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 Hosted by Alan Cumming, the social deduction game follows a group of contestants (who are sometimes celebrities) engaging in a Mafia or Werewolf-style game of deception. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 The race for cheap, lightning-fast access to orbit has a new, giant metallic contestant. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 In the long-running web series, hosts interview everyday consumers on the street and then negotiate massive product discounts directly with company bosses, securing bargains for contestants. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contestant
Noun
  • When attorneys transact a merger between two retail giants like Albertsons and Kroger, a standard strategy to address anticompetitive concerns is to spin off a new competitor.
    — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge is to broaden a brand’s appeal without diluting the characteristics that distinguish it from competitors.
    — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Trezavant Boyd and James Perrone are both contenders for the Nat Moore Trophy, an award recognizing South Florida's top high school football player.
    — CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Fest director Susan Koch is landing more and more top Oscar contenders and talent every year, as well as Oscar pundits to cover them.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Matsui, 82, faces progressive challenger and Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang for the 7th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento’s downtown core, Elk Grove, Placerville and El Dorado Hills.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Republican Ryan Mackenzie will look to defend his seat against Democratic challenger Bob Brooks.
    — Dan Snyder, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • And that could be exactly what the Horned Frogs need to snap their rival’s four-game winning streak.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Democrats are more than happy to draw those connections, pummeling their Republican rivals for standing by a president who is unpopular with so many voters.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contestant. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster