running mates

noun

plural of running mate
as in associates
a person frequently seen in the company of another inseparable running mates who first met when they were in elementary school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 running mates The country's two highest-ranking officials were running mates during the 2022 elections, but their alliance rapidly fell apart. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Sara Duterte and President Marcos were running mates in a whirlwind alliance in the 2022 election but have since had a bitter falling out. — Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 The Timberwolves spent $225 million this summer to keep Julius Randle and Naz Reid as running mates for Anthony Edwards, and the Wolves return all but one key rotation player from a team that has made it to the Western Conference finals in each of the last two seasons. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for running mates
  1. associates
  2. colleagues
  3. friends
  4. peers
  5. buddies
Noun
  • In 2015, The Washington Post profiled teaching associates at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, including a theater actor who helped medical students learn pelvic examinations.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The office declared that the doctrine covers not only official advisers, but can also expand to cover outside associates consulted by the president in certain circumstances.
    — Perry Stein, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of associates
Noun
  • New Skydance content sales chief David Decker was all smiles at the WBD stand, able to look over and see his new Paramount colleagues just along the beachfront.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Eventually, Chili invites Lee over to his house, far away from the ears of his former colleagues shooting pool at Secrets.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of colleagues
Noun
  • The Philly shoegaze band calls on friends from across genres for a wide-spanning compilation that’s equal parts label sampler, B-sides showcase, and assembly of rising stars.
    — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those who show up in tough times are rewarded, while fair-weather friends are often excluded from lucrative deals.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of friends
Noun
  • On top of these heat-seeking missiles, the platforms play to humans’ (particularly teens’) need to be accepted and admired by peers.
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The market has significantly underperformed its European peers in recent years as political volatility has mounted — despite only around 15% of its revenues being generated domestically — with banks under particular pressure.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of peers
Noun
  • My grandfather reliably spoke warmly of his years in service and antique buddies from his army years traveled from across the country to come to a grand party thrown for my grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1991.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Imagine showing off that feature to your golf buddies after a round.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of buddies

Browse Nearby Words

running mate
running mates
running off
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Cite this Entry

“Running mates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/running%20mates. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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