runner-up
noun
run·ner-up
ˈrə-nər-ˌəp 
ˌrə-nər-ˈəp
plural runners-up
ˈrə-nərz-ˌəp
ˌrə-nərz-ˈəp
also runner-ups
: the competitor that does not win first place in a contest
especially
: one that finishes in second place
Examples of runner-up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jordan won the Class A state title in 1980 and was the runner-up in 1979.
—
Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
That year, Twilley was the Heisman runner-up to Southern California’s Mike Garrett.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
That makes three total members of the Rams’ young pass rush to be invited to the NFL Honors as Rookie of the Year finalists in the last two seasons, after defensive tackle Kobie Turner was the runner-up following the 2023 season.
—Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2025
Von Miller finished second to Chicago’s Khalil Mack in 2016 and Champ Bailey was the runner-up to Miami’s Jason Taylor in 2006.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2025
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Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
That year, Twilley was the Heisman runner-up to Southern California’s Mike Garrett.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
That makes three total members of the Rams’ young pass rush to be invited to the NFL Honors as Rookie of the Year finalists in the last two seasons, after defensive tackle Kobie Turner was the runner-up following the 2023 season.
—Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 6 Feb. 2025
Von Miller finished second to Chicago’s Khalil Mack in 2016 and Champ Bailey was the runner-up to Miami’s Jason Taylor in 2006.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for runner-up
Dictionary Entries Near runner-up
Cite this Entry
“Runner-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runner-up. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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