Words to Describe contenders

How contenders often is described ("________ contenders")

• principal
• unsuccessful
• top
• successful
• rival
• prospective
• chief
• obvious
• various
• close
• several
• political
• legitimate
• party
• credible
• promising
• only
• liberal
• potential
• democratic
• plausible
• strong
• viable
• real
• primary
• formidable
• main
• equal
• serious
• worthy
• logical
• stronger
• foremost
• probable
• presidential
• electoral
• strongest
• imperial
• republican
• lesser
• possible
• male
• likely
• communal
• numerous
• powerful
• outstanding
• prominent
• prime
• olympic
• perennial
• ambitious
• other
• major