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
The compilation lifts from the runner-up space on the Official Americana list—the ranking of the top-selling releases in that country subgenre—to the throne.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty was the star of the show, racking up 209 rushing yards and a touchdown to cap off a phenomenal season.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
The election itself — peaking on Nov. 5 — and the Pennsylvania assassination attempt targeting Donald Trump were runners-up.
—Noah Bressner, Axios, 31 Dec. 2024
Vistra Vistra is poised to take the runner-up spot with a surge of more than 263%.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024
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Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty was the star of the show, racking up 209 rushing yards and a touchdown to cap off a phenomenal season.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
The election itself — peaking on Nov. 5 — and the Pennsylvania assassination attempt targeting Donald Trump were runners-up.
—Noah Bressner, Axios, 31 Dec. 2024
Vistra Vistra is poised to take the runner-up spot with a surge of more than 263%.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for runner-up
Dictionary Entries Near runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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