Looking for synonyms for runner up? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say runner up.
- Second-place finisher
- First loser
- Silver medalist
- Second best
- Second in command
- Vice champion
- Alternate winner
- Consolation winner
- Sub champion
- Next in line
- Close contender
- Almost winner
- Second rank holder
- Second to the top
- Nearly victorious
Want to learn how to say runner up professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Second-Place Finisher
Used in competitive contexts, like sports or contests, to denote the participant who finished just behind the winner.
Example: “In the national robotics competition, our team was the proud second-place finisher.”
2. First Loser
An informal and slightly humorous term used to describe the person or team finishing second, often in sports or competitive events.
Example: “Despite the tough race, he joked about being the ‘first loser’ in the marathon.”
3. Silver Medalist
Commonly used in sporting events like the Olympics, referring to the recipient of a silver medal for finishing second.
Example: “The swimmer was honored as the silver medalist in the 100-meter freestyle event.”
4. Second Best
A general term for someone or something that is only surpassed by one other in a competition or evaluation.
Example: “Her design was considered second best in the international architecture contest.”
5. Second in Command
Often used in organizational or military contexts to indicate the person directly below the leader in rank.
Example: “In the CEO’s absence, the second in command took charge of the board meeting.”
6. Vice Champion
A formal term used primarily in European sports contexts to denote the runner-up or second-place finisher.
Example: “At the European Championships, the team proudly took their place as the vice champions.”
7. Alternate Winner
Used in contests or competitions to indicate a participant who is next in line should the winner be unable to fulfill their role.
Example: “As the alternate winner, she was prepared to step in for the pageant queen if needed.”
8. Consolation Winner
Refers to someone who didn’t win the top prize but is still recognized, often with a consolation prize.
Example: “The quiz team, as consolation winners, received a trophy for their excellent effort.”
9. Sub Champion
An alternative term for a runner-up, particularly in sporting or academic competitions.
Example: “He was declared the sub champion in the state chess tournament.”
10. Next in Line
Used to indicate the person or team that is immediately next after the winner, often in succession planning or hierarchy.
Example: “She was next in line for the company’s director position after the current director retired.”
11. Close Contender
Refers to someone who was closely competing to win but ended up in second place.
Example: “In the fiercely contested election, the close contender narrowly missed victory.”
12. Almost Winner
An informal way to describe someone who came very close to winning but ultimately finished second.
Example: “In the startup pitch competition, their innovative idea made them the almost winner.”
13. Second Rank Holder
A formal term used in academic or competitive contexts to indicate the person with the second-highest score or position.
Example: “She was proud to be the second rank holder in her graduating class.”
14. Second to the Top
Used to denote the individual or entity that is just below the highest position in a ranking or competition.
Example: “Their software solution was second to the top at the technology fair.”
15. Nearly Victorious
Refers to someone who was close to achieving victory but ultimately ended up in the runner-up position.
Example: “The debate team was nearly victorious in the national championship, securing the runner-up spot.”
