Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

in the running

ADJECTIVE
eligible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acceptable likely qualified suitable
WEAK
appropriate becoming capable of desirable discretionary elective employable equal to fitted in line for licensed preferable privileged proper satisfactory seemly suited trained up to usable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unacceptable
WEAK
improper inappropriate ineligible unfit unsuitable unsuited unworthy
ADJECTIVE
marriable
Synonyms
WEAK
marriageable suitable
NOUN
opening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
opportunity show time
STRONG
availability connection cut fling go occasion place possibility run scope shot squeak vacancy whack
WEAK
big break iron in the fire look-in
Antonyms
WEAK
closing closure conclusion ending finish misfortune solid

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

Three populist parties are also in the running and opinion polls see them garnering around 19 percent of the vote.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 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

The Irish actress, 36, has received a string of awards for her performance as William Shakespeare's wife Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet and is in the running for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

I handed her the towel, and she dipped it in the running water and ran it over her face.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya