1
as in has-been
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2
as in entrant
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Recent Examples of also-ran
The thinktank session was held at the rambling 40-acre Mettawa estate of another presidential also-ran, Adlai Stevenson II.
—
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The past master of the universe is an economic colossus but, strategically, its civilization is an also-ran.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Six years before Maye was drafted, Darnold was selected third overall, too, by an AFC East also-ran.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026
Google’s cloud business, once an also-ran, is growing steadily, thanks in part to the global rush to develop AI services and demand for compute.
—Mark Bergen, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The past master of the universe is an economic colossus but, strategically, its civilization is an also-ran.
—Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Six years before Maye was drafted, Darnold was selected third overall, too, by an AFC East also-ran.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026
Google’s cloud business, once an also-ran, is growing steadily, thanks in part to the global rush to develop AI services and demand for compute.
—Mark Bergen, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
Noun
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In the Seventies, he was mocked as a Vegas has-been in a jumpsuit; in the Eighties, as a cultural colonizer.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
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When her estranged daughter unexpectedly moves into their crumbling Manhattan townhouse, the TV has-been is confronted with the one role she’s spent her entire life avoiding: motherhood.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The concept, which the company describes as an early entrant in the category, is rolling out locally as part of a pilot program.—
Wyles Daniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
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Meanwhile, the share of unemployed Americans who are new workforce entrants hit a 37-year high last year.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Beginning in February 2026, foreign visitors have been required to pay a small entry fee to access the landmark as city officials attempt to better manage crowds and preserve the historic site.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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For The Times) San José Mayor Matt Mahan’s late-entry bid for California governor has been supercharged by millions from Silicon Valley billionaires.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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