Synonyms of challenger

challenger

noun

as in contender

one who strives for the same thing as another

the third-party challenger in the presidential election

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contender
• contestant
• competitor
• rival
• competition
• finalist
• entrant
• corrival
• opponent
• adversary
• archrival
• entry
• player
• also-ran
• antagonist
• semifinalist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• teammate
• collaborator
• noncompetitor
• supporter
• backer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of challenger

Questions remain over how the Premier League could create competitive balance, given the vast differences in spending ability between its biggest clubs and smaller challengers. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026

The abundance of peep toes and funky shapes on the runway can be partly credited to a new wave of challenger brands, raising the bar for fresh, off-kilter footwear. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Powers, the District 4 challenger, said some members of the public interpreted the moves as a dramatic cut to the department, when many of the changes amounted to reorganization of officers’ assignments. — Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

This story focuses on the election for the nonpartisan Soil and Water Conservation District, which features incumbent Barbara Bleiweis and challengers Michael Betterly, Mackenzie Pearce and Long Tran. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, as well as Marshall's recent GOP primary challenger, Arch Naramore. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Despite a massive spending differential in the August primary, the longtime community organizer tapped into a swell of grassroots support to defeat her Democratic challenger Alexander Vindman. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

The latest poll, which was sponsored by Killin, shows Crank with a 1-point lead over the Democratic challenger. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Being added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee target list does not necessarily mean Democratic challengers will receive an influx of money from the DCCC. — Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026