runner-ups
Second-place finishers all
Runner-ups is a nonstandard plural of runner-up, the person or team that finishes second in a competition.
The standard plural is runners-up, following the pattern of compounds where the noun rather than the modifier takes the plural: attorneys general, mothers-in-law.
Runner-ups appears frequently in casual speech and writing but is considered incorrect in formal contexts.
Last competitors standing
- contendersThose seeking to win
- semifinalistsThose nearing championship round
- also-ransDefeated contestants collectively
- bridesmaidsFemale wedding attendants
losers · defeated · consolation · playoffs · qualifiers · wildcard · reserve · alternate
What takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- successorOne who replaces another
heir · alternate · reserve · contingency · fallback · understudy · deputy · proxy
Expressed approval of
- recognizedPerceived as familiar
- citedMentioned as evidence
- distinguishedNotable and respected
- meritDeserved praise-worthiness
nomination · shortlist · selection · judging · panel · ceremony · announcement · prizes
finalists
Last competitors standing
- contendersThose seeking to win
- semifinalistsThose nearing championship round
- also-ransDefeated contestants collectively
bridesmaids · losers · defeated · consolation · playoffs · qualifiers · wildcard · reserve · alternate · standby
replacement
What takes another's place
- substituteReplacement for another
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
successor · heir · alternate · reserve · contingency · fallback · understudy · deputy · proxy · fill-in
commended
Expressed approval of
- recognizedPerceived as familiar
- citedMentioned as evidence
- distinguishedNotable and respected
merit · nomination · shortlist · selection · judging · panel · ceremony · announcement · prizes · accolades
runner-upswinners
Those who prevail
champions · victors · gold medalists · top dogs · number ones
runner-upschampions
Contest winners, top performers
winners · titlists · gold medalists · leaders · record holders
runner, running, runs, outrun, rerun, overrunning, outrunning, rerunning, runner-up