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 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

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

No candidate has polled higher than 20-some percent — a testament to how many are in the running, but also an indication that none of them has truly captured the zeitgeist of today’s California.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

The Royals, after being swept by Birmingham last week, needed a win to stay in the running for a No. 2 playoff seed.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 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

in the running

Example Sentences

Related Words