1. people or things that are leading in a race, competition, or contest
Usage: plural form of frontrunner
2. candidates who are most likely to win an election or nomination
Usage: political context

Examples

• The two frontrunners in the presidential race debated last night.
• Several frontrunners emerged early in the marathon.
• Political analysts identified three frontrunners for the nomination.
• The frontrunners maintained their lead throughout the competition.
• Investors are watching the frontrunners in the tech industry closely.
• The frontrunners for the scholarship all had excellent grades.