1
as in smuggler
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally
a drug runner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 runner
Both players have struggled with runners in scoring position this season, but that wasn’t the case Tuesday.
—
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Poppe also singled in the fifth before being replaced by a pinch runner, sophomore Jordan Varble, who scored to extend the lead to 3-0.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Some of her runners got in trouble before the Class M championship meet and were suspended from competing, Burrows said.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
Kim also had four hits, plus two stellar defensive plays: doubling off a runner at second base with a diving effort from shortstop in the third inning, then throwing out Judge at second with a perfect throw from deep center after shifting to the outfield.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Poppe also singled in the fifth before being replaced by a pinch runner, sophomore Jordan Varble, who scored to extend the lead to 3-0.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Some of her runners got in trouble before the Class M championship meet and were suspended from competing, Burrows said.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
Kim also had four hits, plus two stellar defensive plays: doubling off a runner at second base with a diving effort from shortstop in the third inning, then throwing out Judge at second with a perfect throw from deep center after shifting to the outfield.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for runner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner
Noun
-
In the Sahara, a smuggler, a paleoanthropologist, and a man on a rescue mission cross paths.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
24 June 2025
-
There’s also rumored to be a tunnel in Toot’s basement that smugglers used during Prohibition to get resupplies from the waterfront.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
One of the elders rose from the church’s woven mats, walked to a small cabinet of lacquered wood, lifted its lid, and produced a large Israeli flag: this was the messenger’s gift.—
Pete McKenzie,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
-
The researchers then sought to gain a deeper understanding of the biology underlying the connection between melatonin secretion and ADHD symptoms by examining levels of the inflammatory messenger interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the children’s blood.—
Paul McClure
June 09,
New Atlas,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Then, at the age of 23, came a life-altering courier flight to Europe.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
17 June 2025
-
During college, Steed worked as a courier for the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runner. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share