contender

[kuhn-ten-der]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contender¹

contend ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

But the Eagles, who also hold a win over Corona Centennial, can certainly consider themselves as contenders for the league’s crown — and maybe even Division 1 glory.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After a season full of doubt, the Dodgers appear to be legitimate World Series contenders once again, but are they capable to playing even better?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I was behind the pack in a support car for Team USA, which had a handful of riders close to the front, where Pogacar and other contenders loomed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the fiercely competitive world of video games, it's common for new contenders to fade away as quickly as they burst on to the scene.

Read more on BBC

For now, though, it all adds up to the one thing Chelsea has been building—by trial and costly error—ever since the American takeover: a genuine title contender.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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