1
as in smuggler
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally
a drug runner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in messenger
one that carries a message or does an errand
sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of runner
Steph Curry, the leading star of three champions that beat James’ teams in the NBA Finals, missed his third consecutive game with runner’s knee.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Last year was the race’s biggest turnout, with over 3,000 runners and walkers.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
And Walker is an upgrade over any Broncos runner.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
He was often added to rosters late in the regular season – first by the Royals and later by the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers and New York Mets – to serve as a pinch runner, usually in the late innings of close games.
—City News Service, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Last year was the race’s biggest turnout, with over 3,000 runners and walkers.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
And Walker is an upgrade over any Broncos runner.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
He was often added to rosters late in the regular season – first by the Royals and later by the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers and New York Mets – to serve as a pinch runner, usually in the late innings of close games.
—City News Service, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for runner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner
Noun
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Past disputes have included Australian intelligence wiretapping accusations involving Indonesia's former president, the execution of Australian drug smugglers and tensions over people smuggling.—
NINIEK KARMINI,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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These days, most kidnappings are typically connected to domestic or family issues, human smugglers or mental illness.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This essential mineral helps produce neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in your brain and nervous system.—
Zia Sherrell,
Health,
5 Feb. 2026
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Dehydration also interferes with how your brain uses dopamine and serotonin—the chemical messengers that help regulate mood, focus, and motivation.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
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Model Vittoria Ceretti, best known stateside for her romantic relationship with Leonardo Dicaprio, acted as a courier for the Italian flag.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runner. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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