contender

American  

[kuhn-ten-der] / kənˈtɛn dər /

noun

1. a person or group that competes against others to win something; contestant.

   The three remaining contenders for the Democratic Party nomination met for a televised debate.

2. a person or group with a good chance of success in a contest.

   After last season’s disaster, the Texas team needed to convince me they were a contender.

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Etymology

Origin of contender

contend ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

But they reasserted themselves as legitimate playoff contenders behind Doncic’s historic brilliance.

From Los Angeles Times

At the moment, it looks highly likely both Russell and Antonelli will be title contenders this season.

From BBC

The sport is now deep into its next generation of champions and Woods hovers over all of it, both as an idol to today’s contenders and a heavyweight force behind the game.

From The Wall Street Journal

The jump from contender to world-title level can be huge and Itauma is eager to find someone to bridge that gap, rather than jump right into a bout with a champion.

From BBC

He is now a serious contender for the squad, especially with fitness doubts continuing to surround John Stones.

From BBC

Related Words

• adversary
• challenger
• competition
• contestant
• opponent
• rival