Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

be in the running

VERB
compete
Synonyms
STRONGEST
battle challenge clash contend contest face fight play spar try vie wrestle
STRONG
attempt bandy bid collide emulate encounter essay fence grapple joust oppose rival strive struggle tilt tussle
WEAK
cope with go after go for go for broke go for the gold in the hunt jockey for position lock horns match strength match wits participate in pit oneself against run for scramble for seek prize take on take part
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree give up make peace retreat surrender
STRONG
aid assist forget help let go release support yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Chad could be in the running to be the third, especially if the Red Sox make the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Now Tennessee wants to be in the running as a prime destination as well.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026

There has been widespread speculation about who will be taking the top jobs, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood thought to be in the running to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

It’s not clear who will replace her, though Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is rumored to be in the running.

From Slate ● Apr. 2, 2026

The flag-bearer was determined by a vote by my US teammates across all sports, and I was honored to even be in the running with world-famous athletes like Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams, and Allyson Felix.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training