also-ran

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of also-ran Even though the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals all made the playoffs last year, they are considered also-rans in the AL in 2025 compared to the Yankees. Mark Ross, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 Despite playing on American Bandstand, the band appeared destined for also-ran status. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025 For almost a quarter century, Randy Bennett has turned this tiny Catholic college from an also-ran to a perennial NCAA Tournament team. Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Maybe producers didn't want to repeat the classic sketches used in 2015, leaving the 50th stuck with the also-rans and ones that are less than a year old. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
Noun
  • Sun-soaked, punk rock ’70s California, a fraught family safari in Africa, a frustrated has-been and a digital future portrayed in a PowerPoint presentation show how disparate lives can affect each other.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her being nominated for playing a grotesque has-been is, at the very least, a delicious irony.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This unique audience gives Trump Media a critical distribution and marketing advantage that most new entrants could never replicate.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Nikki Bella made a surprise comeback to WWE earlier this year as an entrant in the Royal Rumble match.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to a report released this year by the Congressional Research Service, the number of de minimis entries to the U.S. jumped from 153 million in 2015 to more than 1 billion in 2023.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Norse Atlantic is the latest entry in the low-cost, long-haul sweepstakes.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!