CONTESTANT Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

contestant

noun

kən-ˈte-stənt

Definition of contestant

as in competitor

one who strives for the same thing as another three contestants will compete on live TV for the cash prize

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of contestant An additional two contestants were caught using racist remarks in Season 7 and were also subsequently removed. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Once inside, contestants must navigate a series of Wonka’s games, tests, and temptations designed to challenge them physically, mentally, and morally. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Katz said the definition of celebrity itself has dramatically expanded since Dancing with the Stars premiered in 2005 with just six contestants. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Will the contestants get sucked into a chocolate pipe, Augustus Gloop-style? — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contestant

Noun

The only difference is that, after this race, some of the competitors collapsed to the floor with sparks flying from their insides while safety officials charged over to attend to them with fire extinguishers.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The remaining 30% of the settlement value is contingent on Meta’s competitors, YouTube and TikTok, agreeing to similar design changes and payments.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of competitor

Noun

Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The schedule ahead will brings more challenges; the Dragons face championship contenders North Crowley and Allen before District 4-6A play.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of contender

Noun

Mills lost his bid for another term when he was defeated last month by a GOP primary challenger.

— Claudia Grisales, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Democratic challengers call for generational change Moulton has framed his challenge against Markey around generational change since the beginning.

— Margie Cullen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of challenger

Noun

Games against the division rival Sabres and Canadiens also will be televised nationally.

— Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Anthropic’s primary tech industry rival, ChatGPT maker OpenAI, made its own deal to work with the Pentagon just hours after the government punished Anthropic for its stance.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of rival

Browse Nearby Words

contestable

contestant

contestants

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“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contestant. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contestant

noun

Example Sentences

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