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Definitions

up-and-comer

NOUN
comer
Synonyms
WEAK
VIP achiever affluential catalyst doer dynamo enterprising person entrepreneur generator girlboss go-getter heavy hitter heavyweight leader lightning rod man of influence mover palpable presence pathfinder player presence producer rising star spark plug trailblazer upstart wheeler and dealer whip

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.

Wrestling tradition dictates that big-name stars lose their last match, going out on their back to promote an up-and-comer.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

While she is an up-and-comer with a handicap that lists her as scratch golfer, placing her in the top 1% of women in the U.S., the American Junior Golf Association lists her 461st among girls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

In the early 1950s, Spencer was recruiting for the Junior Chamber of Commerce when an arch-conservative up-and-comer, John Rousselot, made an offer: He would join the chamber if Spencer would join the GOP.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

With captain Jamie George and up-and-comer Theo Dan commandeering the number two jersey of late, he faces a battle to force his way into the 23-man squad.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2024

Bobby started off with a win against Arthur Feuerstein, defeating the young up-and-comer for the first time.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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