as in contender
one who strives for the same thing as another
the third-party challenger in the presidential election
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Recent Examples of challenger
Trump has been actively endorsing challengers against Republican critics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
—
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026
The Thunder have yet to lose a game in these playoffs, but the Spurs have been their top challenger all season and won the season series, 4-1.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Streeting, whose political ambitions have long been known, is one of several challengers who could try to unseat the prime minister.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Aichner stared down Alexander and appeared to name himself the next challenger for the X Division Championship.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Those who deviate are eliminated, leaving a trail of blood that deters other would-be challengers.
—Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 15 May 2026
Georgia Supreme Court challenger Jen Jordan infuriates Republicans with a new fundraising email.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 15 May 2026
However, he was impressively chased by Austrian climber Felix Gall, who now appears to be the Dane’s biggest challenger as the former Tour winner looks to complete his Grand Tour set.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Participants can join as a three-day or one-day challenger, with fundraising going to Freedom Challenge’s local and global work.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026
The Thunder have yet to lose a game in these playoffs, but the Spurs have been their top challenger all season and won the season series, 4-1.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Streeting, whose political ambitions have long been known, is one of several challengers who could try to unseat the prime minister.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Aichner stared down Alexander and appeared to name himself the next challenger for the X Division Championship.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Those who deviate are eliminated, leaving a trail of blood that deters other would-be challengers.
—Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 15 May 2026
Georgia Supreme Court challenger Jen Jordan infuriates Republicans with a new fundraising email.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 15 May 2026
However, he was impressively chased by Austrian climber Felix Gall, who now appears to be the Dane’s biggest challenger as the former Tour winner looks to complete his Grand Tour set.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Participants can join as a three-day or one-day challenger, with fundraising going to Freedom Challenge’s local and global work.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for challenger
Noun
-
Barring an Eric Swalwell-style blow-up, the top three — Becerra, Steyer and Hilton — are really the only true contenders.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
King is more likely to be a lock for the practice squad than a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster entering OTAs.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
This year’s field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
-
This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Collins’s main competitors are Derek Dooley, the former head coach of the football programs at Louisiana Tech and the University of Tennessee, and Buddy Carter, another Georgia congressman.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
-
Viola’s reaction spotlighted growing frustration among competitors who believe the ruling body is using procedural fixes to avoid addressing biological differences in girls' sports.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The Angels had won seven consecutive games against the Dodgers, the franchise’s longest winning streak against its crosstown rival.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
-
Sean McVay’s team has a chip on its shoulder after watching the division rival Seattle Seahawks lift the Lombardi Trophy last season.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Challenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/challenger. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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