Thesaurus results for RUNNER

runner

noun

ˈrə-nər

Definition of runner

as in smuggler

a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally a drug runner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in messenger

one that carries a message or does an errand sent a runner to tell them that all was ready for the feast

Synonyms & Similar 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 runner The Padres had a runner on first with one out in the ninth inning when France hit a towering fly ball that struck a railing on the roof before Chourio caught it in fair territory on the left-field warning track. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles stranded seven runners on base over the first five innings. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 Not since April had the Brewers left more runners on base, gotten fewer hits — and still won. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Here’s what to know The Kansas City Chiefs have opened the 2026 NFL season 3-0, and while free-agent signing Kenneth Walker has been the headline runner in the backfield, rookie Emmett Johnson is carving out a meaningful role. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for runner

Recent Examples of Synonyms for runner

Noun

Still, despite the typical procedural formula with cases tied to gun smugglers, cartel assassins and kidnappings, the show remains topical enough to keep viewers engaged.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers.

— Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of smuggler

Noun

Before they’re introduced at the meeting, Lowen and Jeremy have what amounts to a gruesome meet-cute on the street, when a bike messenger gets mowed down by a car in front of them and Jeremy lends Lowen his shirt because she’s covered in blood.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Riz Ahmed plays Ganesh, the close scientific adviser to Digger who is actually rooted in the real world, and therefore has to be the messenger of bad news.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of messenger

Noun

Most government seizures are made through mail and express-courier services, rather than through shipping containers, and many of the shipments originate in China and Hong Kong.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Qure Shipping Policy Qure currently ships worldwide, and packages are shipped via FedEx, USPS, or DHL courier with standard shipping services.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of courier

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runnels

runner

runners

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Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of runner

noun

Example Sentences

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