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Showing results for in the running. Search instead for was the running.
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

Nominations are out for this year's Ivor Novello Awards and Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Lily Allen and Jacob Alon are among stars in the running for recognition.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 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

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

The peach-faced Lombardy, who wasn’t in the running for the title, was playing the venerated Reshevsky, and the Old Fox stood at 9½ points.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.