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.
Now that Edmonton’s non-superstars are finally winning their minutes, the Oilers are a contender. Murat Ates, New York Times, 31 May 2025 The Champions League is the ultimate barometer of the continent’s elite clubs, and up until now PSG has been a flashy contender that always came up short. James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025 The Champions League is the ultimate barometer of the continent’s elite clubs and up until now PSG has been a flashy contender that always came up short. James Robson, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025 With not a ton of room in the cap and some prospects and picks traded away from this last Cup push, how do the Avs retool to be able to be a Cup contender again with strong Central Division rivals? Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 30 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contender. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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