1
as in candidates
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in competitors
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
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Recent Examples of contenders
The Cubs and Padres are the only contenders the Mets will see in the final stretch.
—
Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Argentina and Brazil are amongst the top contenders to lift the World Cup, and the other four nations have all improved in the last few years and should pose a bigger threat to their European opponents next summer.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Despite the 1-2 record, the Wolves have showcased an ability to compete with championship contenders.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Sewell did a lot to rescue quarterback Jared Goff’s career and transform the pitiful Lions into annual Super Bowl contenders.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Yet Harris lingers near the top of the 2028 Democratic presidential contenders in most polling because the party lacks viable alternatives with comparable name identification.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
From box office blockbusters to festival darlings, the race offers no shortage of contenders—and no single film has emerged as the definitive frontrunner.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Other contenders included the Pioneers, Steers, Stars, Mokans, Tornados, Mavericks, Bulls, Plainsmen, Wranglers, Mohawks, Hunters and Scouts.
—Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025
Possible contenders are exploring taking Johnson on, and the list grows by the day.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Argentina and Brazil are amongst the top contenders to lift the World Cup, and the other four nations have all improved in the last few years and should pose a bigger threat to their European opponents next summer.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Despite the 1-2 record, the Wolves have showcased an ability to compete with championship contenders.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Sewell did a lot to rescue quarterback Jared Goff’s career and transform the pitiful Lions into annual Super Bowl contenders.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
Yet Harris lingers near the top of the 2028 Democratic presidential contenders in most polling because the party lacks viable alternatives with comparable name identification.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
From box office blockbusters to festival darlings, the race offers no shortage of contenders—and no single film has emerged as the definitive frontrunner.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Other contenders included the Pioneers, Steers, Stars, Mokans, Tornados, Mavericks, Bulls, Plainsmen, Wranglers, Mohawks, Hunters and Scouts.
—Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025
Possible contenders are exploring taking Johnson on, and the list grows by the day.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contenders
Noun
-
When the cooperation agreement expired, however, Biglari immediately returned to his old ways, announcing his intention to nominate five candidates to Cracker Barrel’s board.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
-
With Petro’s term coming to an end next year and the leader not up for reelection, candidates may seek to rile up anti-American sentiment in the country or to appeal to Trump by campaigning for a tougher approach.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Experience More, for example, includes Netflix and Apple TV+, in-flight Wi-Fi, and 60GB of hotspot data for $140 per month with three lines on AutoPay—about $50 less than competitors.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Dell Technologies’ ObjectScale and NetApp’s StorageGRID are the closest competitors.—
Steve McDowell,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The remaining contestants make this pact that whoever wins is going to support his widow with financial help, and Stebbins immediately is on board to help in any way possible with the rest of the boys.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With Bowers back in the lineup, the Raiders can take on their rivals with the same strong offense that showed up against the Patriots.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
United Airlines' expansion, however, is outpacing its large airline rivals, a plan CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC is paying off because of the company's product, network and technology, like onboard amenities such as Bluetooth connectivity, seat-back screens and its app.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Every 50 years, the gates between the two open, allowing 50 challengers to embark on a deadly quest to traverse between them.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
This home is within Trustee Area 2, in which incumbent Pam Costa successfully ran against two challengers last year.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contenders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contenders. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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