front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 

1

: a contestant who runs best when in the lead

2

: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition

a political front-runner

Examples of front-runner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much harder than his Democratic rival and the prohibitive front-runner, Xavier Becerra. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Still, the usual ilk of Grammy front-runners, who match major commercial and critical relevance with a history of general field recognition, are absent from the hip-hop landscape this year. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

At this early stage before the two-round election in April and May, Le Pen is widely regarded as a front-runner in the race to succeed Macron. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Ole Miss All-American running back Kewan Lacy was a game-time decision but didn’t play due to a shoulder injury, leaving Trinidad Chambliss — notably, a Heisman Trophy front-runner — to shoulder an offense that lacked explosiveness for stretches. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

• forerunner
• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• runner
• tonner