front-runner
noun
front-run·ner
ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner
Examples of front-runner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rookie of the year front-runner Matthew Schaefer has been a revelation in his first NHL season at the age of 18, and several other top prospects are on their way.
—
CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
King was not initially a front-runner for the permanent CEO role, but she was added back as a candidate amid growing community support for her leadership, including from the Chicago West Side Branch of the NAACP.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
And so, in a twist that uproots the entire season, front-runner Jane Don’t gets sent home with only like one episode to go before the finale.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
California Democrats enjoy a 2-to-1 voter registration edge over the GOP, but Golden State voters say there is a fog of confusion around the race because of the party's failure to coalesce around a front-runner.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
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CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
King was not initially a front-runner for the permanent CEO role, but she was added back as a candidate amid growing community support for her leadership, including from the Chicago West Side Branch of the NAACP.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
And so, in a twist that uproots the entire season, front-runner Jane Don’t gets sent home with only like one episode to go before the finale.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026
California Democrats enjoy a 2-to-1 voter registration edge over the GOP, but Golden State voters say there is a fog of confusion around the race because of the party's failure to coalesce around a front-runner.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Cite this Entry
“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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