C1noun2K

UK/["/kənˈtendə(r)/"]/US/["/kənˈtendər/"]/

Meaning of Contender

a person or team with a chance of winning a competition

In simple words: A person or team that competes for something.

Contender in a sentence

  • a contender for a gold medal in the Olympics
  • a **leading/serious/strong contender** for the party leadership
  • Germany last night emerged as a contender to stage next year's event.
  • He's gone from being a serious title contender to being totally written off.
  • She was considered a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.
  • a strong contender for the gold medal
  • He is seen as one of the leading contenders for the post.
  • Peter is a contender for the gold medal in the Olympics.
  • She is a strong contender for the party leadership.
  • The team has proved that it is a genuine title contender.

How to use Contender

Use 'contender' when discussing competition, such as sports or awards. It's more appropriate in neutral contexts and less common in informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

contender + for + object

Memory hint

Think of 'contest' in 'contender' — a person in a contest.

Related words

Collocations with Contender

Synonyms for Contender

Opposites of Contender

Common mistakes with Contender

  • Confusing 'contender' with 'pretender' (someone who pretends to be something).
  • Using 'contender' in non-competitive contexts.
  • Misplacing the word, thinking it can apply to non-human entities like teams or concepts.

Compare Contender with Competitor, Rival, Applicant, Player

Contender appears in

Contender in other languages

More words like Contender

People also search for

  • Contender meaning
  • meaning of Contender
  • Contender definition
  • define Contender
  • what does Contender mean
  • Contender means
  • how to use Contender

Frequently asked questions about Contender

What does Contender mean?

A person or team that competes for something.

What is the definition of Contender?

a person or team with a chance of winning a competition

How do you use Contender in a sentence?

a contender for a gold medal in the Olympics

Can you give another example of Contender?

a **leading/serious/strong contender** for the party leadership

What are synonyms for Contender?

Common alternatives include competitor, rival, challenger, applicant, player.

What is the opposite of Contender?

Opposite meanings include loser, non-contender.

What words go with Contender?

It commonly pairs with serious, strong, leading, contender for.

What are common mistakes when using Contender?

Confusing 'contender' with 'pretender' (someone who pretends to be something). Using 'contender' in non-competitive contexts. Misplacing the word, thinking it can apply to non-human entities like teams or concepts.

How do you pronounce Contender?

US: /["/kənˈtendər/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈtendə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Contender?

Use 'contender' when discussing competition, such as sports or awards. It's more appropriate in neutral contexts and less common in informal conversations.

What CEFR level is Contender?

"Contender" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.