contender

noun

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

Synonyms of contender

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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.
Crucially, Allen self-submitted for the award after HBO omitted her from their contender list. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Meanwhile, potential contenders have already begun teasing their interest. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Hacks has been a perennial Emmy Awards contender since its first year of eligibility in 2021. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 The word-of-mouth buzz around the series, which premiered in April, intensified each week leading up to its finale last month and prompted chatter around its prospects as a major Emmys contender. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 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

Rhymes for contender

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Browse Nearby Words

contend
contender
contend with
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Cite this Entry

“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contender. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contender

Nglish: Translation of contender for Spanish Speakers

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