contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
also ˈkän-ˌte-
Synonyms of contestantnext
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms of contestant

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Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins. The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The contestants will have to design a wedding dress that showcases their style, and the winning design will be produced and sold by David’s Bridal. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Dewan’s casting sparked backlash online, with some fans arguing that Dewan has an extensive dance background and therefore has a clear advantage over the other contestants. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Designed by Australian magician and magic consultant Adam Mada, the illusions use a fade box where contestants can be seen disappearing and reappearing on the studio monitors in real time. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 In the book, Donaldson appears as a mentor figure to some of the younger contestants, who grew up watching him on YouTube. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Rhymes for contestant

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Browse Nearby Words

contestable
contestant
contestation
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Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contestant

noun
con·​test·​ant
kən-ˈtes-tənt
also ˈkän-ˌtes-
: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun
con·​tes·​tant
: one that initiates or participates in a contest
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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