contestant
Seeks the prize
A contestant is someone who competes in a contest—a game show, a beauty pageant, an athletic competition.
The word emphasizes participation rather than skill level; both frontrunners and longshots are contestants.
Three contestants remain in the final round.
She was a contestant on Jeopardy.
One who competes against
- opponentOne who contends against
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- contenderOne competing seriously
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
finalist · semifinalist · runner-up · frontrunner · underdog · hopeful · entry · field
Competition participant
- applicantOne who formally requests
- registrantOne who signs up
- auditionerOne who holds tryouts
- candidatePerson seeking selection
nominee · recruit · newcomer · rookie · prospect · hopeful · sign-up · tryout
One who prevails
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- victorOne who defeats opponents
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- loserDefeated competitor
eliminated · disqualified · crowned · dethroned · upset · comeback · triumph · defeat
rival
One who competes against
challenger · finalist · semifinalist · runner-up · frontrunner · underdog · hopeful · entry · field · bracket
entrant
Competition participant
- applicantOne who formally requests
- registrantOne who signs up
- auditionerOne who holds tryouts
candidate · nominee · recruit · newcomer · rookie · prospect · hopeful · sign-up · tryout · audition
winner
One who prevails
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- victorOne who defeats opponents
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
loser · eliminated · disqualified · crowned · dethroned · upset · comeback · triumph · defeat · loss
challenge
Test of ability
round · heat · stage · task · immunity · elimination · buzzer · podium · panel · judges
talent
Inborn aptitude
- skillAcquired ability through practice
- executionCompleting a planned task
- routineRegular sequence of actions
presentation · technique · artistry · preparation · strategy · composure · nerves · choke · clutch · consistency
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- game showsbuzzer, buzzers, jackpot, podium, scoreboard
- Jeopardy!Alex Trebek, Ken Jennings, Daily Double, Final Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy
- competitorscompetitor, competitors, rivals, opponents, contender
- cooking show roleschef, cook, home cook, baker, pastry chef
- game show peoplehost, winner, loser, announcer, emcee