1
as in smuggler
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally
a drug runner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand
sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of runner
Two players were tagged out at home plate, but the home-plate umpire stopped everything before a third runner one could be tagged out.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Here’s what runners, fans and spectators need to know about the three-day event.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
All four runners — Evie Allison, Aniya Scott, Ily Barclay and Daylani Daniels — are back for the 2026 season.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
This also works for table runners, placemats, and cloth napkin sets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Here’s what runners, fans and spectators need to know about the three-day event.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026
All four runners — Evie Allison, Aniya Scott, Ily Barclay and Daylani Daniels — are back for the 2026 season.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
This also works for table runners, placemats, and cloth napkin sets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner
Noun
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Prior to September, alleged cartel members and drug smugglers were treated as criminals with due process rights.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Past disputes have included Australian intelligence wiretapping accusations involving Indonesia's former president, the execution of Australian drug smugglers and tensions over people smuggling.—
NINIEK KARMINI,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For whatever reason, my skin seems to absorb the product really well that way—don't shoot the messenger!—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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Some messengers were experienced riders—post riders or express riders or militia men—but many simply took the assignment impromptu, chosen by random force.—
Kostya Kennedy,
Time,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
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Lottery tickets already available online Colorado residents already can buy state lottery tickets online through third-party vendors, known in the industry as couriers.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runner. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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