runners

noun

plural of runner
1
as in smugglers
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally a drug runner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in messengers
one that carries a message or does an errand sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 runners The Twins also had two runners aboard in the 10th inning when a run would have won the game. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The Dodgers, who were one for 18 with runners in scoring position Wednesday, could’ve used a big hit from their future Hall of Famer. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Brooks Lee had three hits and Josh Bell two for the Twins, 4 for 21 with runners in scoring position, but scored three times in the eighth inning, two on a Royce Lewis single, to tie it at 5. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 The Sox went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 14 on base while falling in the opener of the four-game series. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 That brought the infield in, which allowed for Bogaerts’ hard grounder to get past shortstop Taylor Walls and drive in both runners. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The Royals finished 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Junk, ever a competitor, took the walk to the dugout having thrown just 69 pitches and leaving a pair of runners on base. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 After an infield single put runners on the corners with one out, Aranda beat out a double-play attempt allowing Vilade to score. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runners
  1. smugglers
  2. messengers
  3. couriers
Noun
  • But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing smugglers.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wong haunts the stories of the Floridian smugglers, connected to many of the feuds and undercover operations.
    — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of smugglers
Noun
  • Researchers who are sincere, relatable and genuinely care are effective messengers for communicating uncertain or evolving information.
    — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Find the right messengers Local, trusted messengers outperform national campaigns, and the most recent Yale and George Mason polling suggests the field has been solving the wrong problem.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of messengers
Noun
  • But even larger quantities went unseized as agents in Albuquerque stood by and watched as drug couriers entered hotels with backpacks believed to be carrying as many as 100,000 fentanyl pills.
    — Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • And like the milkman, good-looking couriers delivering the coveted cooling relief became a source of jealousy for insecure husbands.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of couriers

Browse Nearby Words

runner
runners
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Cite this Entry

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

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