contender

noun

con·​tend·​er kən-ˈten-dər How to pronounce contender (audio)
: one that contends
especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor
a heavyweight title contender
the leading presidential contenders

Examples of contender in a Sentence

There are several contestants, but only two real contenders. This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Chicago Cubs have done a lot to shape their team into a postseason contender over the last few months, and, to this point, it's paid off quite well. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 Cleveland would be a sizable underdog to Boston in a potential ECF, but this team is a legit contender. Sam Settleman, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 The fire broke out overnight after Shapiro, considered a potential presidential contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Then there is The Pitt’s ensemble and the question of which actors, if any, will get tagged as Supporting contenders. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contender

Word History

Etymology

contend + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contender was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contender. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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