noun
Uncommon
contender
kuhn-TEHN-d
Contender (noun) means a person who competes against others, especially one with a real chance of winning. Example: “She is considered a serious contender for the championship.”
noun
1
A person who competes against others, especially one with a real chance of winning.
"She is considered a serious contender for the championship."
How to use contender
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone competing for a prize or title, especially one with a decent shot at winning.
Common pairings
leading contender
title contender
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Word forms
- Plural
- contenders
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She is considered a serious _____ for the championship.
Etymology
From contend + the agent suffix -er.
Related words
Rhymes for contender
See all rhymes for contender →Frequently asked questions
What does “contender” mean?
The word “contender” means a person who competes against others, especially one with a real chance of winning. In plain terms, someone competing for a prize or title, especially one with a decent shot at winning.
How do you pronounce “contender”?
“Contender” is pronounced kuhn-TEHN-d (/kənˈtɛn.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “contender” in a sentence?
Here is “contender” used in a sentence: “She is considered a serious contender for the championship.”
What part of speech is “contender”?
“Contender” is a noun.
Is “contender” a common word?
“Contender” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "contender" and a "candidate"?
A contender is a person who competes against others, especially one with a real chance of winning, and the word often implies genuine strength or credibility. A candidate is simply someone running or being considered for a position, without necessarily implying they have a strong chance.
Is "contender" used only in sports and competitions?
While "contender" is very common in sports, describing someone with a real chance of winning a title or match, it is also used more broadly for political races, business rivalries, and other competitive situations.
What is the difference between a "contender" and a "challenger"?
A contender is generally someone with a real chance of winning, regardless of their current position, while a challenger specifically refers to someone competing against an established title-holder or leader.
