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.

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

Her exploits are likely to take her to a third successive WSL Golden Boot at the end of the campaign and she will surely be in the running for Player of the Year.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

If they continue to work, Yamamoto could be in the running for the Cy Young Award, after finishing third in National League voting last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Norwegian-born Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, as well as former teammates Henrik Kristoffersen and Atle Lie McGrath of Norway, should also be in the running for a push at a podium finish.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 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

be in the running

Example Sentences

Related Words