frontrunner
n.the person or thing that is leading in a race or competition. You use this when someone is clearly ahead of the others and looks like they will win.
n.a person or entity that is leading in a competition, election, or race. Often used in political or sporting contexts to describe a candidate with a significant lead in the polls.
“She is the frontrunner for the job.”
“After the debate, the candidate became the frontrunner, gaining a ten-point lead in the latest opinion polls.”
“While several candidates entered the race, only one emerged as the clear frontrunner, consolidating enough support to make a serious challenge to the incumbent.”
“She is now among the frontrunners to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.”
“Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian For my money, I didn’t have either winner down as frontrunner for the prize, which is famously a star-maker in British comedy.”