1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another
several contenders competing for the title of the city's best Italian restaurant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 contender
Add that to a season series win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and a split with the San Diego Padres, and the Cubs are making an early case as legitimate contenders.
—
Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
The award show announced Swift as a contender in six categories on April 23: artist of the year, favorite female pop artist, album of the year, favorite pop album, collaboration of the year and favorite touring artist.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
McEnany wasn’t the first to raise speculation around the fiery Democrat, as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and veteran pollster Nate Silver have also floated her name as a potential contender.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
The show’s innovative one-take format, brilliantly executed by cinematographer Matthew Lewis, has positioned it as an undeniable contender.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
The award show announced Swift as a contender in six categories on April 23: artist of the year, favorite female pop artist, album of the year, favorite pop album, collaboration of the year and favorite touring artist.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
McEnany wasn’t the first to raise speculation around the fiery Democrat, as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and veteran pollster Nate Silver have also floated her name as a potential contender.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
The show’s innovative one-take format, brilliantly executed by cinematographer Matthew Lewis, has positioned it as an undeniable contender.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
-
The firm often watches companies for many years before investing and has an extensive stable of impressive board candidates.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Cleveland Cavaliers moved on from him and hired Kenny Atkinson as head coach, but Bickerstaff remains a Coach of the Year candidate for resuscitating one of the NBA’s dormant franchises.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While lawmakers scrutinize TikTok’s Chinese ownership and explore potential bans, competitors see a window of opportunity.—
Lisa Setyon,
CNBC,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Asked about this, Joyner said Nolen was a fierce competitor, a young player who was far from perfect but one who was willing to learn.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Masked contestants in Season 13 include Honey Pot, Space Ranger, Cherry Blossom, Coral, Fuzzy Peas, Ant, Paparazzo, Griffin, Boogie Woogie, Pearl, Bat, Yorkie, Stud Muffin, Nessy and Mad Scientist Monster.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
-
One of Hudson's competitors will be trans model Isabelle St. Cyr. St. Cyr will be the first openly trans contestant in the pageant's history after previously winning the local Miss Monson USA pageant in the Maine town of Monson.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and Maldonado's rival, also starred in the show.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Great powers throughout history have often found that rivals can act as a productive fillip to friends.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share