Synonyms for

Contender

Verb / kʌˈntendɜ: / Another word for contender — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person or team that competes in a contest or competition.

Synonyms & similar words

rival competitor challenger competition competitor challenger rival opponent participant entrant player fighter combatant contestant opposer adversary foe enemy antagonist critic disputant protester objector dissenter

Synonyms by register

Formal

aspirant claimant competitor rival

Informal

challenger hopeful player front-runner

Literary

combatant opponent

Antonyms

noncompetitor outsider underdog loser uncontested unrivaled

Common collocations

  • strong contender
  • leading contender
  • top contender
  • contender for the title
  • contender in the race
  • contender for the championship
  • unlikely contender

Word family

noun contention
verb contend
adjective contentious

Usage note

A contender is someone who is competing to win something. It often implies a strong chance of success, though an underdog can also be a contender.

Example sentences

  1. The contender for the spelling bee studied hard every day.
  2. The football team's biggest contender is the rival team in the next town.
  3. She was a strong contender for the job position.
  4. The race had many contenders, but only one could win.
  5. The contender for the talent show performed a beautiful song.

Quotes

  • Only a true contender will rise to the top.
  • It takes determination to be a contender.
  • Every contender has a chance to win.

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