contender

noun

con·​tend·​er kən-ˈten-dər How to pronounce contender (audio)
: one that contends
especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor
a heavyweight title contender
the leading presidential contenders

Examples of contender in a Sentence

There are several contestants, but only two real contenders. This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In his 10 years as a presidential contender Donald Trump has always benefited politically by attacking immigrants, winning support for his promises of a hardline border crackdown. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025 Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum $143 NORDSTROM West stands by Chanel’s latest fragrance as a top contender for summer. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 Ramsey reportedly wants to play for a contender, according to Outkick’s Armando Salguero. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 With enterprise customers like Uber and PepsiCo and an expanding presence on the analyst radar, the company is positioning itself as a serious contender in the security automation and AI orchestration space. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contender

Word History

Etymology

contend + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contender was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contender. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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