Synonyms

challenger

American

[chal-in-jer] / ˈtʃæl ɪn dʒər /

noun

a person or thing that challenges.
Boxing. a boxer who fights a champion for his championship title.
Radio. interrogator.
U.S. Aerospace. none Challenger the second space shuttle to orbit and return to earth: exploded 1½ min. after launch on Jan. 28, 1986, causing the death of all seven on board.

Other Word Forms

nonchallenger noun

Etymology

Origin of challenger

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; challenge, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He may still be able to fit in a voluntary defence with Wilder if an opponent is agreed quickly, with several mandatory challengers with other organisations already tied up.

From BBC

Leipzig have emerged as surprise challengers this season despite fielding a young squad after several high-profile departures in the summer.

From Barron's

And some analysts say it may be the country's best chance to build a domestic ecosystem to supply advanced chips to its many manufacturers, and one day become a formidable challenger in the global market.

From BBC

But in a Test world in which South Africa stand alone at the summit, England have a strong claim to being the Springboks' closest challengers.

From BBC

The other Egyptian challengers, defending champions Pyramids, were equally convincing winners, beating Rivers United of Nigeria 3-0 at another Cairo venue.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023