CONTESTANT Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

contestant

noun

kən-ˈte-stənt

Definition of contestant

as in competitor

one who strives for the same thing as another three contestants will compete on live TV for the cash prize

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of contestant The arrest comes after two female contestants on the reality series alleged in a BBC report published in May that they were raped by their husbands while filming the show. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The Golden Ticket will see twelve contestants, each with a partner of their choosing, step through the gates of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to face a series of challenges. — Peter White, Deadline, 30 June 2026 The reality star — who was briefly engaged to the winner of his season, Hannah Ann Sluss, and dated his fifth place contestant, Kelley Flanagan, on and off for years — addressed the book for the first time on Monday. — Sarah Hearon, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island in New York on July 4, where contestants ate several days' worth of calories in just 10 minutes. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contestant

Noun

Joby has been in a fierce battle to be the first with taxis in the sky with its Northern California competitor Archer Aviation.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Plaintiffs claimed that Disney’s carriage agreements required streaming platforms to include ESPN in base channel packages, limiting the ability of competitors to offer cheaper bundles.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of competitor

Noun

The East's hierarchy is now fluid, with the Sixers emerging as serious contenders, though the Celtics remain a formidable force.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
If allowed to run, Le Pen is widely seen as a top contender to succeed centrist President Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 election.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of contender

Noun

Her victory over leftist challenger Roberto Sánchez marks her fourth presidential bid and makes her Peru’s first female president-elect.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Republican Mark Baisley didn't face a challenger for the GOP nomination and will face Hickelooper in the November general election.

— Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of challenger

Browse Nearby Words

contestable

contestant

contestants

See all Nearby Words

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“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contestant. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contestant

noun

Example Sentences

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