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.

He was in the running against Nathan Lane in the season’s most talk-about show’s “Death of a Salesman,” and many bets were surely placed on the latter to sweep.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“Nobody Wants This” “Despite the absence of last year’s comedy powerhouse ‘The Studio,’ the competition remains stiff with long-running heavyweights like ‘Hacks,’ ‘The Bear,’ ‘Abbott’ and ‘Only Murders’ all in the running once again.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Mairi McAllan, who was thought to be in the running to become deputy first minister, was instead given the education brief.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

‘The Lost Boys,’ ‘Titanique’ and ‘Schmigadoon!’ are among the contenders for best musical, while the Pulitzer-winning ‘Liberation’ and the Roald Dahl bio-drama ‘Giant’ are in the running for best play.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

If applause were any measure, Lois Carson wasn’t even in the running.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

in the running

Example Sentences

Related Words