also-ran

noun

Definition of also-rannext
1
as in has-been

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2
as in entrant

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Dissimilar 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 also-ran The Warriors might be able to keep up with the Timberwolves, Suns, Lakers, or even the Nuggets, but those are also-rans, too. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 May 2026 Smalley and Schmid began the day atop the tournament leaderboard and were now ending as also-rans. — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 18 May 2026 Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race has presented an opportunity for the also-ran candidates to surge into contention. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 The thinktank session was held at the rambling 40-acre Mettawa estate of another presidential also-ran, Adlai Stevenson II. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Recent Examples of Synonyms for also-ran
  1. has-been
  2. entrant
  3. entry
Noun
  • The manuscript Wayne read to us that night chronicled his involvement with Gloria Swanson, the towering star of Hollywood’s Golden Age who enjoyed latter-day acclaim in 1950 playing a delusional has-been in Sunset Boulevard.
    — Mike Hogan, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
  • That career move quickly fizzled, leaving a sloppy drunk has-been in the debris.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of has-been
Noun
  • Like that vaunted executive dining room, a sense of exclusivity will set all three of the new entrants apart.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Michael added that the entertainment industry as a whole is becoming more diversified, with retail entrants such as Gap and Mattel’s Barbie, which are also helping to support the economics of the sector.
    — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of entrant
Noun
  • Apply the same technique to other theme answers, relying on the crossing entries for help.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Modi's party and the Election Commission say the revision is aimed at removing duplicate and ineligible entries while ensuring eligible voters remain registered.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of entry

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also-ran
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Cite this Entry

“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/also-ran. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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