front-runner
noun
front-run·ner
ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner
Examples of front-runner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After a first sampling of every contender, the group established the front-runners.
—
Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Sand is considered the front-runner in a Democratic primary, which is likely to consist of additional challengers with an incumbent like Reynolds out of the picture.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
Boston’s preliminary look is scheduled for Tuesday and the two front-runners are campaigning at top speed.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Though Thornton suffered a season-ending leg injury days after the All-Star break, Golden State has remained competitive, with guard Veronica Burton emerging as a front-runner for the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, as well as a candidate for an All-WNBA team.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Sand is considered the front-runner in a Democratic primary, which is likely to consist of additional challengers with an incumbent like Reynolds out of the picture.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
Boston’s preliminary look is scheduled for Tuesday and the two front-runners are campaigning at top speed.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Though Thornton suffered a season-ending leg injury days after the All-Star break, Golden State has remained competitive, with guard Veronica Burton emerging as a front-runner for the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, as well as a candidate for an All-WNBA team.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front-runner
Cite this Entry
“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share