1
as in smugglers
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally
a drug runner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in messengers
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 runners
Another possible explanation is that the subjects in laboratory dehydration studies are different from Gebrselassie and other marathon runners—perhaps because the runners have gotten used to dealing with being dehydrated.
—
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Known for its residential swank defined by Art Deco-meets-Art Nouveau touches and façades, the neighborhood is dominated by well-to-do locals, out-of-town visitors, and an endless stream of runners and dog walkers.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
At the time of his death, Torres was under indictment in Sacramento, charged with selling heroin to drug runners working for the Aryan Brotherhood.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The runners up were Saudi Arabia, with more than 260 billion barrels, and Iran, with more than 200 billion barrels.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026
Nursery starts or bare-root plants typically begin fruiting two to three months after planting, while plants grown from runners or seeds may take until their second year.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Inside, a group of a dozen waitstaff, a handful of bartenders and food runners convene for a final pep talk before the doors open.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the ocean, the half marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
There’s a reason why everyone from nurses to marathon runners upholds Hoka as the gold standard in comfy walking shoes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Known for its residential swank defined by Art Deco-meets-Art Nouveau touches and façades, the neighborhood is dominated by well-to-do locals, out-of-town visitors, and an endless stream of runners and dog walkers.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
At the time of his death, Torres was under indictment in Sacramento, charged with selling heroin to drug runners working for the Aryan Brotherhood.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The runners up were Saudi Arabia, with more than 260 billion barrels, and Iran, with more than 200 billion barrels.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026
Nursery starts or bare-root plants typically begin fruiting two to three months after planting, while plants grown from runners or seeds may take until their second year.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Inside, a group of a dozen waitstaff, a handful of bartenders and food runners convene for a final pep talk before the doors open.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the ocean, the half marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
There’s a reason why everyone from nurses to marathon runners upholds Hoka as the gold standard in comfy walking shoes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runners
Noun
-
So can those who set prices; deal with Mexican cartel suppliers; launder money; establish drug houses; and pay smugglers, intermediaries and others.—
Kevin Krause,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Yes, arrest the murderers, drug lords and gang members, thieves and smugglers.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Gut Produces Mood-Boosting Chemicals One of the most direct ways the gut influences the brain is through chemical messengers that affect mood and cognition.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Advertisement Koch later tried to ban bicycles from much of midtown in an attempt to rid the city of the growing army of bike messengers.—
Evan Friss,
Time,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Khosrowshahi said the company is also harnessing artificial intelligence to build more solutions for its drivers and couriers, and working with large language model creators such as OpenAI.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
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For these drivers and couriers, finding additional ways of earning is becoming a key concern given that the rise of self-driving cars—which Uber already offers in Austin and Atlanta—could push many out of a job.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Runners.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runners. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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