runner-up

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.

She finished in a runner-up spot last year and left Erin Hills firmly believing a win was within reach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The first round of voting on April 12 featured a record 35 candidates vying for the presidency, with Fujimori ultimately gaining 17.1 percent of the vote, while runner-up Pedro Sanchez captured 12 percent.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Two-time runner-up Ruud, 27, has the knowledge and ability to go far on the Paris clay.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Sinner, last year’s runner-up here, knew he needed to keep rallies short where he could—he had no intention of repeating the 5-hour adventure he had on court in the 2025 final against Alcaraz.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Although she had been raised to ten dollars a week when she went on reading, her runner-up received twenty-five dollars a week and the other readers received twenty.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith