contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
also ˈkän-ˌte-
Synonyms of contestantnext
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms of contestant

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Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins. The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.
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.
Otherwise, though, the series is fairly loose, allowing the contestants a lot of time to swan around the villa and divide into a collection of cliques. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 Anyway, we are now informed, reliably or not, that the final contestants for the part of 007 include Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O’Connor. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Sarah also explored a connection with fellow contestant Morrey Eglin before ultimately deciding that John was the better match. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2026 Other celebs to have been announced include Celebrity Traitors contestant Joe Lycett and the Sugababes. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Rhymes for contestant

See All Rhymes for contestant

Browse Nearby Words

contestable
contestant
contestation
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Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contestant

noun
con·​test·​ant
kən-ˈtes-tənt
also ˈkän-ˌtes-
: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun
con·​tes·​tant
: one that initiates or participates in a contest
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