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Definition of frontrunner

frontrunner

/ˈfrʌntˌrʌn.ər/
front · run · ner
Plural:frontrunners
•
Adjective:frontrunning
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frontrunner Lexical Profile

frontrunner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The contestant, candidate, or competitor that is leading in a race, election, or other competition and is considered most likely to win.

Example

"After strong debate performances, the senator emerged as the clear frontrunner in the presidential primary."

2

A racehorse or athlete that performs best when running ahead of the pack rather than coming from behind.

Example

"Because the colt is a natural frontrunner, the jockey pushed him to the lead right out of the starting gate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'frontrunner' (a leading contestant in a race or election) with 'forerunner' (a predecessor or herald that comes before something else in time).

• Nearby Words

frontmost
frontosa
frontperson
frontrunner
frontrunning
frontside
frontward

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early 20th-century American horse racing to describe a horse that runs best when in the lead, the term was soon extended figuratively to political campaigns and other competitions.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Frontrunner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/frontrunner
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