in the running

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 is high time a woman took charge of the United Nations, argued three of the candidates in the running to take over as secretary-general, at a debate on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

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

Carrie Coon, “The Gilded Age” “Expect to see Keri Russell in the running for ‘The Diplomat’ and Zendaya for the last season of ‘Euphoria.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 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

Grownups sat on the sidewalk and dangled their bare feet in the running gutters.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli