contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
also ˈkän-ˌte-
Synonyms of contestantnext
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms of contestant

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Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins. The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fifty-one contestants — one representative from each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia — vied for the crown. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Beyond that, Simmons recalls how this season in particular, which saw one contestant leave midway through for medical reasons after aggravating an injury, was particularly difficult. — Hilary Lewis For The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 As with the original format, contestants must choose between three potential suitors, hidden from view behind a wall. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 An additional two contestants were caught using racist remarks in Season 7 and were also subsequently removed. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Rhymes for contestant

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Browse Nearby Words

contestable
contestant
contestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contestant

noun
con·​test·​ant
kən-ˈtes-tənt
also ˈkän-ˌtes-
: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun
con·​tes·​tant
: one that initiates or participates in a contest
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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