contender

noun

con·​tend·​er kən-ˈten-dər 

: one that contends

especially : a competitor for a championship or high honor

a heavyweight title contender

the leading presidential contenders

Synonyms of contender

• candidate

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

Here’s how the other following contenders landed in the top five for Charlotte’s best places to live. —Chase Jordan march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026

More recently, the conservative Tea Party takeover of some GOP organizations led to the nomination of untested and unvetted contenders in Delaware, Nevada and elsewhere who then struggled to win statewide elections. —Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

The next contenders According to the foundation’s rules, anyone can recommend a bar, restaurant or chef for an award. —Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026

Curtis Reigh, one of nine Republicans running for county commissioner, also cited the lack of public comment at board meetings as a reason for increased interest among candidates, including younger contenders. —Rhiannon Evans, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contend + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contender

• bartender
• defender
• engender
• extender
• offender
• pretender
• provender
• surrender
• suspender
• transgender
• bender
• blender