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
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of runner
Smith allowed Crow-Armstrong, the automatic runner, to steal third base with one out, but the right-hander induced a pair of pop-outs to record his first career save.
—
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Kyle Branch plated a runner from third on a safety squeeze in which Cook bobbled the ball for an error.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
The Cubs left the bases loaded in the fourth, and pinch runner Kevin Alcántara was picked off at third base on a double play in the eighth to kill off another rally.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
On the seventh day after her son's disappearance, Nancy Higginbotham asked hikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts to assist in searching areas beyond those already covered by authorities.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
Kyle Branch plated a runner from third on a safety squeeze in which Cook bobbled the ball for an error.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
The Cubs left the bases loaded in the fourth, and pinch runner Kevin Alcántara was picked off at third base on a double play in the eighth to kill off another rally.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
On the seventh day after her son's disappearance, Nancy Higginbotham asked hikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts to assist in searching areas beyond those already covered by authorities.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner
Noun
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The Pentagon’s Joint Task Force Southern Border, activated in March of last year, is using autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessels, or USVs, to patrol vast stretches of the Rio Grande to deter drug smugglers.—
Zita Ballinger Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2026
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As Danny and Lena squared off against thieves, smugglers, and serial killers, Boston Blue also explored the tangled branches of the Silver family tree.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
Noun
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With the messenger planet transiting your emotional territory, your thoughts, ideas and opinions are impossible to deny.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 June 2026
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When an American battalion was trapped behind enemy lines in World War I, a pigeon delivered the coordinates that helped save the soldiers when no human messenger could.—
Kasha Patel,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Noun
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That courier was carrying a case containing approximately $67,000 when the two men confronted him in the parking lot, then took the cash and fled in a nearby vehicle.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
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While André often worked across London as a motorcycle courier, Alex spent most of his time with his mother.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runner. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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