front runner

or front-runner, frontrunner

noun

1. a person who leads in any competition.
2. an entrant in a race who breaks to the front immediately and establishes the pace for the field.
3. an entrant in a race who performs well only when ahead of the field.

Word History and Origins

Origin of front runner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

The first two leadership ballots of Conservative MPs made him the front runner in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.

From BBC

When it became clear that one-time front runner Hasan Minhaj wasn’t going to get the job, Wood started to worry that there was no plan for “The Daily Show” as it headed into an election year — and as massive changes were underway at Comedy Central’s parent company, Paramount Global.

From Los Angeles Times

Fellow FX series “Shōgun” has long been considered the front runner in the drama categories.

From Los Angeles Times

Some reviews are predicting that one of the film's stars Ralph Fiennes could well be the early front runner for best actor too.

From BBC

On BBC Newsnight on Tuesday, he declared Ms Harris the new front runner, noting she had captured fresh "momentum".

From BBC

Related Words

• favorite
• shoo-in