in contention
In the mix
In contention describes someone or something still competing for a goal or prize, with a realistic chance of winning.
A team in contention for the championship remains in the running.
The phrase often appears with negation: After three losses, they're no longer in contention.
Something in contention can also mean disputed or under debate: The property line is still in contention.
- finalistLast-round participant
- in the runningActively being considered
- qualifyingMeeting required criteria
- debateFormal argument on issues
- heated debateIntense verbal disagreement
standings · competition · rivalry · close call · selection · underdog · neck and neck · title race · frontrunner · dark horse · eligibility · opposition · dissent · arbitration · legal battle · championship · ranking · playoffs
in contentioneliminated
Removed from consideration
out of the running · out of it · knocked out · disqualified · also-ran
in contentionsettled
No longer in question
resolved · uncontested · undisputed · decided · off the table
contention, contend, contender, contenders, contending, contended, contends, contentious, contentiously