runner-up

noun

run·ner-up ˈrə-nər-ˌəp

ˌrə-nər-ˈəp

plural runners-up ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp

ˌrə-nərz-ˈəp

also runner-ups

: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest

especially : one that finishes in second place

Examples of runner-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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But Jeanty is more than just a Heisman runner-up and future first-round NFL running back who is on the verge of a record-breaking statistical accomplishment. —

Justin Williams, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Zheng finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka at the Melbourne Park major in 2024 and won WTA Tour titles in Tokyo and Palermo. —

Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Not lacking in confidence, the 32-year-old placed himself at the top of the board, while placing Dreamville rapper JID in the runner-up spot. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Dec. 2024 The runner-up in the Southeastern Conference, Texas is the only one of last season’s four playoff teams to make the new 12-team field. —

Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for runner-up